Motorists in Southern California are feeling the impact of a strong rainstorm that moved through the region on Tuesday.
A 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) is completely closed between Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and Grand View Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains, Caltrans officials announced on Wednesday.
The closure, due to a slide in the canyon at postmile 1.2, is to protect motorists from serious injuries or fatalities, Caltrans said. Emergency responders will be able to access the road.
The stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard was already undergoing repairs from the Palisades Fire and winter storms, but it had been open to drivers between 5 a.m. and midnight.
The busy canyon route, which connects the San Fernando Valley to the coast, will now be closed 24 hours a day for an unknown duration.
Caltrans says that crews took precautions Monday to prepare for the storm by moving equipment, placing K-rail and sandbags, and stabilizing a current retaining wall.
For now, motorists are urged to take alternate routes and expect delays.