Local, statewide cleanup efforts begin after SoCal battered by Christmas storm

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - This week's Christmas storm broke records across California, with the National Weather Service (NWS) dubbing it the wettest Christmas on modern record.

Parts of the state, including here in the Valley saw flash floods, muddy roadways and in the San Bernardino mountains, devastating damage.

The NWS reports the mountains saw anywhere from 7 to 14 inches of rain from Wednesday to Friday evening.

The worst was seen in Wrightwood, a small mountain community an hour northwest of Palm Springs, that received over 10.5 inches as of Friday night.

In parts of Los Angeles, cities saw more than 3 inches of rain.

Extreme weather impacts were seen when a man was rescued from the Ventura River below the 101 freeway, and an EF-0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights Christmas day.

Locally, several roads in Palm Springs remain closed at the wash.

Gene Autry Trail and Indian Canyon Drive both remain closed Friday night, while Vista Chino reopened Friday morning.

Crews on Gene Autry Trail recorded mud piles up to 3 feet high.

Cleanup efforts are expected to continue through the weekend. Stick with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.