Malibu schools close due to dangerous road conditions from mudflows

In Southern California, heavy rainfall over the weekend has led to various dangerous conditions, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced the closure of all Malibu-area schools on Monday in response to unsafe road conditions. This decision was made after officials consulted with local authorities including Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Public Works Department regarding road safety and the ongoing risk of mudflows. The closures impact several educational institutions, including Webster Elementary School and Malibu Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Additionally, the rainfall has caused mudslides and road closures in other parts of the Southern California region, particularly where the Palisades Fire had previously burned. The decision was taken with the safety of students and staff as the utmost priority. Parents and guardians were informed through a letter sent on Sunday evening. The school officials expressed disappointment over the necessity of the closure but emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety amid challenging weather conditions. Moreover, the weather has created a series of hazardous conditions across the region, prompting road closures by the California Highway Patrol and advisories from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. These situations resulted from mudflows in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas, significantly affecting transportation routes such as Palisades Drive and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Local authorities have been closely monitoring the area while addressing road safety and are preparing to make decisions about future school operations based on ongoing weather updates and safety conditions. The rain, which began falling on Saturday and intensified overnight, not only posed risks of landslides and flooding but also included snowfall in mountain communities, leading to further advisories and warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). As conditions evolve, residents are reminded to stay informed about weather forecasts and roadway conditions. For now, the schools in Santa Monica remain open, with officials continuing to assess the situation for a potential reopening in Malibu the following day, depending on the weather and safety assessments.