The extent of damage caused by rain-triggered mudslides in Wrightwood, California, came into sharper focus Thursday afternoon when the San Bernardino County Fire Department released video showing homes and cars buried under several feet of thick mud and rocks.

The dramatic footage accompanied a social media post offering this brief update:

“With a break in the weather this morning, crews were strategically placed in neighborhoods that were severely impacted by the storm to help with recovery efforts. Evening update will contain more information.”

Wrightwood, located in the San Gabriel Mountains about 80 miles east of Los Angeles, appears to be the hardest-hit community in Southern California after an atmospheric river drenched the region with 2 to 10 inches of rain. Wrightwood received just under 10 inches as of 11 a.m. Thursday, according to National Weather Service reports.

The heavy rain, falling in roughly 24 hours, pummeled a 2024 wildfire burn scar, producing an intense debris flow that overwhelmed roads and cabins in this community of about 5,000 residents. Most, but not all, opted to evacuate as the storm rolled in, and no significant injuries or deaths were reported.

Resident Lopiccolo told the Associated Press that the family almost evacuated the previous day when water washed away a chunk of their backyard. But they decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.

Another resident, Arlene Corte, described roads turning into rivers, yet her house survived the storm unscathed. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she told the AP. “We’re here talking.”

The fire department said 120 personnel worked through the evening to assist residents. An evacuation shelter was established at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds at 14800 Seventh Street in Victorville.

“San Bernardino County Fire is devastated that many families are unable to be home together this Christmas due to the ongoing impacts of this incident,” the department said. “Our hearts are with everyone affected, and our crews remain committed to supporting the community during this difficult time.”

Wrightwood remained under a shelter-in-place order in addition to an evacuation order. Officials said once all safety issues were addressed, crews would transition to property preservation efforts.

“These efforts may include damming, diverting water, and salvaging property at affected structures,” the department said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.