Officials Brace For More Storm Damage In Malibu Area, Major Road To Close

Authorities are bracing for more damages on already-saturated slopes in the Malibu area ahead of the New Years's storm, prompting the closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive will be fully closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to Caltrans.

The closure follows last week's Christmas storms that brought mud and debris flows onto Topanga Canyon Boulevard and minor damage onto Pacific Coast Highway.

Caltrans officials are concerned about more damages amid already-saturated slopes on both streets.

The Palisades Fire recovery work zone on Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace will remain open, with crews on standby to respond to flooding and debris flows.

Rainfall totals are estimated at up to 3.75 inches in the Palisades Fire burn scar area. There is potential for mud and debris flows and isolated flash flooding, according to Caltrans.

Crews are preparing for the storm by moving equipment, placing k-rail and sandbags and stabilizing current retaining wall and other project work on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and PCH.

City News Service contributed to this report.