California mudslides trap cars and trucks

  • 17/10/2015
California mudslides trap cars and trucks

Heavy rain has unleashed floods that triggered massive landslides north of Los Angeles. Hundreds of cars and trucks were stuck deep in the mud.

Torrential rainfall of 10cm to 15cm an hour triggered massive mudslides, trapping rush-hour drivers on busy Interstate 5.

Nearly 200 cars and trucks were overwhelmed in less than 10 minutes.

The only escape for some was through the flood water. Others climbed on top of their cars.

Further east, trucker Will Nissen captured video as six metres of mud and rocks lifted several trucks off the highway, including his partner's.

Sheriff's search and rescue teams are looking for cars that may have been buried completely

"We're trying to probe down and see if we hit anything metallic or get a dull thud," says Deputy John Deitrich.

Marble-sized hail fell in some areas. Melissa Nuesca, her son, James, and the rest of the family had to run for cover as mud filled their car.

"The most terrifying part was when the hill gave out and the road was just gone," says James.

Watch the video for the full CBS News report.