In a scene more suited for a boat than a car, several vehicles found themselves stranded in deep waters on Oxnard Street in Tarzana yesterday evening. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on a traffic-related water rescue where motorists were caught in 2-3 feet of floodwaters. Officials clarified that while no injuries were reported, the vehicles were unable to move, trapped at the intersection of Oxnard St and Donna Ave.
LAFD Swiftwater Teams were deployed as the situation unfolded around 6:22 PM, near the corners of Wilbur and Tampa, quickly preparing to send a watercraft to the immobilized vehicles. Advising against attempting to navigate the deceptive floods, the occupants were told to stay put within their cars. "Thankfully the vehicle occupants have remained in their vehicles and not risked going out into the deep water with unpredictable terrain and currents below the surface," the LAFD stated.
In response to the flood, significant road closures were announced. Oxnard Street was sealed off between Wilbur and Tampa, likely sparking headaches for local commuters. The LAFD's advisement to the public was clear: seek alternate routes and avoid crossing flooded roadways. The impact of the closures was expected to ripple through the neighboring areas, as displaced traffic searches for detours.
The Los Angeles Fire Department's Nicholas Prange released information on the crews' strategic handling of the drowning roadways, saying, "LAFD Swiftwater Teams are preparing to send a watercraft out to the vehicles to bring the occupants to safety." Despite the roadblocks, no injuries to speak of meant a sigh of relief as the city's first responders steered residents clear of harm's way. The exact cause of the flooding has not been detailed, but once more Southern Californians were reminded of the power nature holds, even over the sprawling urbanity of Los Angeles.
