> At a Glance
> – Angeles Crest Highway remains closed after a Christmas-week storm
> – Next storm brings light showers Wednesday night, heavier rain Thursday
> – Mountain areas could see 2-5″ of rain; coasts/valleys 1-3″
> – Why it matters: Commuters and travelers face continued detours and potential flash-flood risk
Southern California’s mountain roads are still scarred from last week’s atmospheric river, and forecasters say another round of rain is imminent.
Road Closures Hold Steady
All lanes of State Route 2 stay shuttered from 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch (post mile 50.93) to Islip Saddle/Route 39 (PM 64.1) after boulders and buckled pavement appeared during the post-Christmas deluge. Caltrans District 7 crews spent December 26 clearing a slide near Windy Gap, but full reopening is still undetermined.
Other mountain trouble spots:
- Tejon Pass rest areas on the 5 Freeway near Gorman
- State Route 33 between Fairview Road and Lockwood Valley Road in Los Padres National Forest
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Grandview Drive to Pacific Coast Highway
Forecast Timeline
The next system arrives in two waves:
- Wednesday night: light showers
- Thursday morning: steadier rain tapers by afternoon
- Friday into Saturday: another pulse possible
Expected rainfall totals:
| Area | Rainfall Range |
|---|---|
| Coasts & Valleys | 1-3 inches |
| Mountains | 2-5 inches |
> Caltrans officials warn drivers to expect delays and plan alternate routes until inspections and repairs are complete.
Key Takeaways
- Angeles Crest closure stretches nearly 14 miles through the San Gabriel Mountains
- Rockslides and pavement failure keep crews working around the clock
- Back-to-back storms raise flash-flood and mudslide risk
- Travelers should check Caltrans QuickMap before heading into mountain areas
With more rain on the way, the scenic detour will remain off-limits for the foreseeable future.
