Sinkhole Causes Closure of 1 Eastbound Lane on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

MALIBU, CA -- A sinkhole caused the closure of an eastbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway on Thursday, according to the city of Malibu.

The closure is at PCH and Malibu Canyon Road. Caltrans are on the way to the scene, the city said.

A cold storm struck the area Thursday, creating what National Weather Service forecasters described as a risk of urban flooding and of mud and debris flows down slopes denuded by wildfires.

The NWS issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for eastern L.A County that was initially scheduled to be in effect until 9:15 a.m. but then extended it until 2:15 p.m.

A statement said the move was in response to Doppler radar indicating "moderate to heavy rain over eastern Los Angeles County, with heavy rain moving in soon from the west. Minor flooding is expected in the portions of Los Angeles County into the afternoon, including low-lying roads or parking lots and small streams."

The NWS forecast between a half-inch and an inch of rain in most Southland areas and between an inch and 1.5 inches in the mountains and foothills.

It's unclear if the sinkhole was caused by the rainstorm at this time.

-- City News contributed to this report. Photo via Shutterstock.