Full Breakdown
Severe Mudslides Hit Oak Glen and Surrounding Areas Following Thunderstorms
9/20/2025, 2:08:40 PM
Overview of the Event
On September 18, 2025, a series of thunderstorms, fueled by remnants of Tropical Storm Mario, unleashed significant rainfall across Southern California, particularly impacting the communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, and Potato Canyon in San Bernardino County. The intense downpour triggered mudslides that buried roads, damaged homes, and trapped residents and motorists.
Impact and Damage
The mudslides resulted in substantial destruction, with reports indicating that Oak Glen was buried under nearly 10 feet of mud in some areas. The El Dorado burn scar, a region previously affected by wildfire, exacerbated the situation, as loose soil and debris flowed rapidly down the hillsides. Residents described the chaos, with one local, Terry Drung, noting, “That’s ten feet of mud… boulders, tons of them.” The mudslide also trapped approximately 10 people in six vehicles on State Route 38, who were later rescued by emergency crews.
In Forest Falls, mud and debris inundated homes, with one resident, Denise Romo, recalling the terrifying moment: “It kind of sounded like an earthquake was coming.” Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, although many homes sustained significant damage, and some residents were forced to shelter in place.
Official Responses and Evacuations
In response to the unfolding disaster, San Bernardino County authorities issued evacuation warnings for Oak Glen and nearby communities, including Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, and Seven Oaks. The warnings were lifted later, but residents were advised to remain vigilant as more storms were forecasted. The San Bernardino County Fire Department coordinated with CAL FIRE and Caltrans to assess damage and support affected residents.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the emergency response, some residents expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such disasters, linking them to inadequate infrastructure and preparation for extreme weather events. Olin Richey, a Forest Falls resident, remarked on the similarity to past incidents, stating, “It is déjà vu… the same thing as three years ago.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports confirmed no injuries, some local accounts suggested that the situation was dire for certain residents, with one individual reportedly pinned against their house during the mudslide. Additionally, the extent of property damage remains unclear, as damage assessment teams continue their evaluations.
What's Next
As cleanup efforts progress, the National Weather Service has warned of potential additional storms, which could further threaten the already vulnerable areas. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for possible evacuations should conditions worsen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s kind of a weird feeling to not be able to leave… it’s a little claustrophobic. But we’re good up here — the house is safe, we’ve got food and power,” — Lisa Watkins, Oak Glen Resident
- “I thought we would never see mud at this level again,” — Casey Geib, General Manager of Oak Glen Steakhouse
- “Residents are safe. I don’t know any incidents of injuries to human beings.” — Dawn Rowe, San Bernardino County Supervisor
- “It sounded like thunder, but I know that thunder doesn't constantly roar, and so I realized that it was another mudslide coming down,” — Ted Hirsch, Forest Falls Resident
- “We really need help. So, if there is anyone who can hear my voice who has a heart for a veteran, this is a time a veteran really needs help,” — Susan Novacoski-Bennett, Oak Glen Resident
