October 14, 2025 — The Kern River Valley got slammed this morning. A winter storm that's been building since yesterday brought heavy rain to lower elevations and snow to the mountains. Emergency crews spent the morning dealing with a mudslide, flooded roads, and a vehicle rescue in worsening conditions.
The National Weather Service has flood watches and winter storm warnings up for the area through this afternoon. Rain has been falling at rates between 0.20 to 0.40 inches per hour, sometimes heavier when thunderstorms roll through.
Mudslide Shuts Down SR178
Large rocks tumbled onto State Route 178 near Upper Richbar Campground just before 7 a.m., blocking both lanes. Crews spent the next hour and a half clearing debris before reopening the highway around 8:30 a.m.
Water Across Multiple Roads
Kelso Valley Road has water covering portions of the roadway, while residents in Weldon are reporting flooding between Vista Grande and Flycatcher streets. Lake Isabella Boulevard is also taking on water. Anyone heading out today is navigating around pooling and flowing water in several spots.
The overcast skies and wet roads are making for gloomy scenes throughout the valley. Muddy runoff is streaking across highways where hillsides can't hold the saturated soil.
Snow Complicates Vehicle Rescue
Things got worse at higher elevations. Around 10:20 a.m., a white GMC went off Rancheria Road near Ice House Road, landing about 40 feet down an embankment in thick brush. Snow was falling when rescue teams arrived.
CHP requested an air ambulance, but weather conditions grounded the helicopter. Crews had to pull off the rescue on the ground while snow continued falling around them.
The storm continues through this afternoon. More rain and mountain snow are on the way. Officials are asking people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
The weather forecast for Shirley Meadows calls for 1–3 inches of snow through tonight
