Recovery efforts continued Saturday, Sept. 21, after Thursday’s torrential rain caused massive flooding in several San Bernardino Mountain communities including Oak Glen, Potato Canyon and Forest Falls.
The storm triggered mud and debris flows that severely damaged homes in Forest Falls and stranded motorists on Highway 38 and Oak Glen.
The damage assessment for homes in Forest Falls was completed Saturday, said firefighter Christopher Prater, a San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesman.
That assessment, he said, found that three single-family residences were destroyed; one single-family residence received major damage; two single family homes sustained minor damage; and five single family homes were “affected” meaning they were partially — 9% or less — damaged.
Assessments for Oak Glen are expected to be released Sunday, he said.
Caltrans reported Saturday night that Highway 38 remained closed from just east of Angelus Oaks at Mill Creek Road to Lake Williams Drive in Big Bear due to mudflows. Motorists should use an alternate route.
No injuries or rescues have been reported, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said.
She explained that the saturated mountainsides gave way because water from the storm combined with damage left behind by previous fires.
Evacuation warnings have since been lifted, allowing residents to return home. Rodriguez added that cleanup efforts remain underway and directed residents to San Bernardino County Roads for specific updates.
