Thunderstorms Trigger Mudslides, Road Closures And More Hazards In Idyllwild, Mountain Towns

IDYLLWILD, CA — Thunderstorms sweeping through the San Bernardino National Forest on Thursday unleashed flash floods, mudslides and other hazards across Idyllwild and nearby mountain communities.

The storms began gathering strength early Thursday afternoon, moving in from the Santa Rosa Mountains and areas farther south and east in San Diego and Imperial counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Around 2:30 p.m., a storm cell soaked the area of Ponderosa and Walters drives east of Highway 243, flooding roadways on the north side of Idyllwild, the California Highway Patrol reported. At least two vehicles became stuck in the mud before the streets were closed at 3 p.m. Caltrans crews were dispatched to clear debris.

SBCO: State Route 247 remains closed at this time due to significant damage caused by last night’s flooding. Crews are currently on site working to remove debris and begin necessary repairs. Work will continue throughout the weekend, to reopen early next week. pic.twitter.com/qfBc2mM54Z
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) September 19, 2025

Shortly after, another hazard developed on Highway 243 near Foster Lake Road, about a half-mile south of Ponderosa, where rocks and mud slid onto the highway during heavy rainfall. Traffic continued to pass through the area cautiously while Caltrans crews responded.

Caltrans District 8 reported Thursday morning that State Route 247 in San Bernardino County was closed due to significant damage from flooding the night before. Crews were working on Friday to remove debris and begin repairs. The agency is expecting work to continue through the weekend to reopen the highway early next week.

🚨 Current look at the storm damages impacted on SR-38. pic.twitter.com/T7Jn9vTb2D
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) September 19, 2025

Although a Flood Advisory was lifted at 2 a.m. on Friday for the San Gorgonio Pass and Anza Valley, rain and thunderstorms were still possible in the late afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunday through Tuesday is likely bring another set of thunderstorms, which could trigger more mudslides in vulnerable Idyllwild and surrounding mountain areas.