Updated: Heavy rain leads to mudslides, evacuations

LAKE HUGHES – A strong storm system moving through Southern California will continue to bring a significant amount of rain to the Antelope Valley through Saturday evening, authorities warn.

Seven homes in the Lake Hughes area were evacuated Friday due to flooding and mudslides, according to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.

Emergency response officials are warning residents to avoid all areas that were affected by the “Powerhouse Fire.” They say just a small amount of rainfall on a burned area can lead to flash floods and debris flow.

In fact, a mudslide occurred Friday on Lake Hughes Road, just west of Fire Station 78. Palmdale Sheriff’s deputies, LA County Fire, and Public Works crews were on scene as of 12:45 p.m.

The following local road closures are in effect until further notice, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works:

Avenue T, from Longview Road to 165th Street East, closed due to flooding.

Elizabeth Lake Road, from Lake Hughes Road to Munz Ranch Road, closed due to mudslides.

Lake Hughes Road, from Dry Gulch Road to Elizabeth Lake Road, closed due to storm activities.

Bouquet Canyon Road, from 1.9 miles north of Vasquez Canyon Road to 0.6 Miles south of Big Oaks Lodge, closed due to storm.

Avenue M, from Quartz Hill Road to 47th Street West, closed due to water main break belonging to Palm Ranch Irrigation District.

View the full list of current road closures for Los Angeles County here.

UPDATED 7:30 p.m. 2/28/14: According to the latest update, authorities have now determined that 13 homes are at risk. Mandatory evacuations have been issued south of Lake Hughes Road and Deeswood Road in the Lake Hughes area. The evacuations are due to the flooding and mudslides from the current storm. A significant mudslide is blocking the road just north of Mendenhall County Juvenile camp on Lake Hughes Road. Palmdale Sheriff Deputies, LA County Fire, Public Works and DWP were on scene as of 7:30 p.m. Friday.