Dangerous thunderstorms trigger massive mud flow in northern LA County

CASTAIC, Calif. -- Severe flooding and thunderstorms in north Los Angeles County have left cars stuck in a major mud flow in the Green Valley, Lake Hughes, Leona Valley and Lake Elizabeth areas.

In Green Valley, cars were stuck in a deep mud flow along San Francisquito Canyon and Lake Hughes roads.

Water was rushing down near cars traveling just north of Castaic, causing a portion of the canyon to shut down and Lake Hughes to get washed out.

The road reaches down to the Castaic reservoir. A number of people were trapped in their cars, trucks and campers deep inside loads of mud.

Due to the downpour in the areas, all northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway were blocked by flooding near Fort Tejon north of Gorman. Traffic was diverted through Santa Clarita.

Areas throughout Palmdale and Quartz Hill also underwent severe flooding and experienced large chunks of hail pouring onto homes. Multiple people had to be airlifted and evacuated from the dangerous conditions, according to L.A. fire authorities.

Cars were submerged in mud on Lake Elizabeth Road, where authorities rescued several people. The road was completely shut down as of 6 p.m. Two houses in the Lake Elizabeth area appeared to be flooded by mud. A trailer was seen damaged and turned over on its side from the water flow also in the community.

No injuries were reported as of Thursday afternoon.

Flash flood warnings are expected to be in effect at least until 8:15 p.m.

PHOTOS: Flash flooding sparks dangerous mud flow