30 vehicles still stuck in mud on California highway

This Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 photo Rochelle Price, left, and Jen Dunnagan, who were rescued from their rooftop by firefighters after floodwater surrounded their home on Thursday, in Lancaster, Calif. The worst of the thunderstorms had passed, but the continued chance of rain could dampen cleanup and relief efforts in northern Los Angeles County's Antelope Valley, where the most serious slides occurred. (Ruby Varela/The Antelope Valley Press via AP) This Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 photo Rochelle Price, left, and Jen Dunnagan, who were rescued from their rooftop by firefighters after floodwater surrounded their home on Thursday, in Lancaster, Calif. The worst of the thunderstorms had passed, but the continued chance of rain could dampen cleanup and relief efforts in northern Los Angeles County's Antelope Valley, where the most serious slides occurred. (Ruby Varela/The Antelope Valley Press via AP)

By Associated Press October 18, 2015 3 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Crews digging vehicles out from under tons of mud that clogged Southern California roadways during flash flooding three days ago were dealing with another round of rain on Sunday.

A drizzle blanketed the region, but forecasters said there’s little chance of thunderstorms like those that unleashed debris flows Thursday, damaging dozens of homes and trapping hundreds of cars on highways and roads.

“When it started raining again, we all held our breath,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Justin Foraker. “But luckily the rain has been light so far.”

At least 30 vehicles remained stuck in now-hardened mud along State Route 58 in Kern County, according to the California Department of Transportation. Officials hope to have the mess cleared and the lanes reopened by Thursday at the latest.

“We’re being conservative. We hope to reopen even earlier, but a lot of work remains,” said Caltrans spokeswoman Florene Trainor.