L.A. Fire Department worker’s SUV swept into ocean during storm

As a heavy storm arrived in Southern California, a Los Angeles Fire Department worker narrowly escaped before his car was swept into the ocean by a surge of flowing debris.

The man was driving in Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway at around 5 p.m. when the fast-moving debris rushed down the road and suddenly overwhelmed his SUV. Large rocks, mud and rushing waters shoved his vehicle across the highway.

The man acted quickly and jumped out of his car as the vehicle was propelled through a K-rail and fence before eventually plunging off a cliff and into the ocean.

Video captured the man walking back to safety through the muddy waters as his astonished colleagues walked over to check on him. He sustained minor injuries during the ordeal and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, LAFD said.

As the winter storm brings high risks of flooding, mud and debris flows to the region, officials are advising locals to be alert when traveling during the dangerous weather.

“We ask all residents to avoid driving during the peak of the storm and to exercise extreme caution,” LAFD said.