At a Glance
- 11.31 inches of rain drenched San Bernardino County on Christmas Eve and Day.
- Mudslides and a washed-out bridge left dozens of families in Lytle Creek unable to leave town.
- Volunteers and county officials are still clearing debris as a new rain forecast looms.
Why it matters: The storm has left homes damaged, people stranded, and the community preparing for more weather that could worsen the damage.
A heavy winter storm that struck San Bernardino County on Christmas Eve and Day has left the Lytle Creek community grappling with mudslides, a washed-out bridge, and ongoing cleanup efforts, while a new rain forecast threatens to compound the damage.
The Storm and Its Impact
The county received 11.31 inches of rain, causing several mudslides that devastated homes in Lytle Creek. The washed-out bridge trapped Robert Cardenas and his family inside the town, preventing them from evacuating. Marja Kay, a new resident, said she bought a house and had work done, but now she can’t move in because of the damage.
- Lytle Creek was hit hard by the storm.
- The bridge was washed out but has since been cleaned up.
- Some homes were spared, while others were lost.
Robert Cardenas said:
> It’s tragic. It’s a disaster.
Marja Kay added:
> I bought a house and we had work done and now, we can’t move in.
Community Response and Recovery
San Bernardino County officials conducted door-to-door checks in Wrightwood amid heavy flooding. Larissa Jackson, who now lives in Texas, said her family’s home was lost in the storm and she panicked after seeing images on social media. She was able to contact her father’s neighbor after her father’s communication was knocked out.
- Volunteers from across the county are helping families with cleanup.
- County authorities are providing resources to anyone who needs them.
- A link to county resources is available for residents.
Key Takeaways
- 11.31 inches of rain caused mudslides and a washed-out bridge in Lytle Creek.
- Residents like Robert Cardenas, Marja Kay, and Larissa Jackson are still recovering and cannot move into their homes.
- County officials and volunteers are working to clear debris, and resources are available for affected families.
The community remains on high alert as another round of rain threatens to worsen the damage left by last week’s storm.
