A man who was holding a tree after a sports utility vehicle was trapped in fast-moving water was safely airlifted by firefighters in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday.
Details about how the SUV ended up in a rainy stream were not available immediately. The SUV was anchored in a tree near Trabco Creek and Rosenbaum Road in the southern Orange County community.
The stream was quickly filled with water after hours of steady rain in Southern California.
“A rapid water rescue response, including multiple Swift Water Rescue teams, one of the helicopters and other disabled personnel, specifically placed at this rain event, was quick,” the Orange County Fire Department said of X.
Firefighters lowered team members from the helicopter and aired the man safely. He was not seriously injured.
“We strongly encourage you to keep all moving water away,” the fire department said in X.
At least six people were rescued in the Riverside County community in San Jacinto when a landslide surrounded the vehicle.
The storm brought hours of rain and strong winds to Southern California during the night. Several feet of snow are expected on the mountains.
In the LA County community in Pico Rivera, weak tornadoes have knocked down trees and power lines.
San Juan Capistrano – Our Emergency Command Center (ECC) called out people in the stream at 9:39am in the areas of Trabuco Creek Road and Rosenbaum Road. pic.twitter.com/oewx0kkg1h
– ocfa (@ocfireauthority) March 13, 2025
