Search and rescue efforts intensify for hundreds of residents feared trapped after deadly walls of mudslides roared down Southern California hillsides. At least 17 have been killed and an estimated 100 homes destroyed, with search efforts to see if residents survived.
The area, which was recently ravaged by historic wind-driven wildfires, left hillsides in places like Montecito vulnerable to the destruction brought by the first downpours of the region's rainy season. While more remain missing in the ravaged areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties that were devastated by the wildfires, hundreds of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders caused by the storm.
The National Weather Service says a major issue will be the burn scar areas, which will be susceptible to flash floods, mudslides, and debris flows.
Hundreds search for victims of California mudslide https://www.apnews.com/3903ac2663f844239f64bbc42c17858e
Founder of St. Augustine Academy in Ventura among those killed in mudslide http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2018/01/09/founder-st-augustine-academ…
5 things you need to know Thursday https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2018/01/09/southern-calif… via @usatoday