First-Day-of-Spring Storm Wreaks Havoc on the City

Sunday's spring storm dumped more than 6 inches of rain on the area, according to the National Weather Service.  The heavy rain, coupled with strong wind gusts reported as high as 45 mph, caused power lines to snap and large trees to topple across the city.

"We had crews out all night," said Capt. Jerry Reese of Fire Station 89.  "A power line snapped along the 2900 block of Canwood Street, and we've had that blocked off until the power company can repair the damage."

The fire station itself was evacuated for a short period when a power pole was blown sideways and leaned dangerously close to the building, Reese said.  "Local [Southern California Edison] crews finally got that braced for safety," he said.

Over at Fire Station 65, crews responded to multiple downed trees, including one right near City Hall, said Capt. Derek Bart. "Part of Ladyface is blocked but still accessible," he said.

According to Bart, the residential area around Malibu Lake at South Lakeshore Drive experienced flood surges due to high winds, and crews responded with sand-bagging.  In addition, he said homes with poorly maintained drainage systems also had flooding issues.

"As a preventative measure for the next storm, I highly recommend that people clean out their drains," Bart said.

Dirt and debris fell along the Kanan Pass, just west of Agoura Road,  and crews will be keeping an eye out for further erosion within the next few days, Bart said.

The National Weather Service predicts more rain for later in the week. Fire department officials recommend picking up extra sandbags at the local or Home Depot as a precaution.