Fourth California storm stokes fears of mudslides

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. – Hours of heavy rain fell Thursday on saturated Southern California as the fourth Pacific storm in a week came ashore, triggering dire warnings by authorities that huge mud flows were likely in foothill communities and residents of endangered homes should obey evacuation orders.

A teen was rescued from a rushing river but a companion remained missing in Orange County, and the fate of a motorist spotted under tornado-toppled power poles in the state’s remote southeast corner was unknown.

Travel snarls mounted as major highways were closed by snow and tornado damage, and strong winds grounded flights at several airports. Another tornado left a trail of damage in a community northwest of Los Angeles.

The siege of storms has led to several deaths statewide and street flooding in urban areas.