Mudslides Disrupt Oak Glen, Evacuation Warnings Lifted

Oak Glen faced severe mudslides Thursday as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario swept through San Bernardino County, burying roads and trapping vehicles in up to ten feet of debris. Residents braced for continued flash flood risk even after evacuation warnings were lifted Friday afternoon.

The storms uprooted trees, deposited boulders and propane tanks across El Dorado burn scar slopes, and forced dozens to shelter in place. San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Christopher Prater confirmed that no injuries were reported, though ten people in six vehicles were stranded for ten hours on State Route 38 before rescue teams arrived.

By Friday afternoon, authorities rescinded evacuation warnings for Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks, advising residents to stay alert to weather updates as a Flash Flood Warning remained in effect until 6:45 PM PDT. Caltrans continues to clear Oak Glen Road from Chagall to Potato Canyon and multiple points along Highway 38, while damage assessment crews survey slopes for unstable terrain and infrastructure impacts.

Local businesses and landmarks bore the brunt of the debris flows. Oak Glen Steakhouse manager Casey Geib described digging his car out of more aggressive mudslides than those seen three years ago, as crews used heavy equipment to remove tree trunks and rock from driveways and entrances. Power lines remain compromised in spots, prolonging dark evenings for some households as temporary generators run.

Despite the turmoil, autumn enthusiasts pressed on with planned activities. The Wildlands Conservancy’s “Night Walk: Echoes in the Dark” proceeded at Oak Glen Preserve, guiding participants along upper trails under cellophane-covered flashlights and red-filtered beams, though turnout was reduced amid warnings of possible renewed thunderstorms late Saturday.

Forecasters predict mostly clear skies through Saturday, but warn that minimal rainfall over fire-scarred slopes could trigger new debris flows come Sunday. Residents are urged to maintain emergency kits and heed any shelter-in-place orders until the region fully stabilizes.