The Video of Recent Flooding at the Vermont/Beverly Station in Los Angeles Is Misleading
The Claim
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Amidst the news of the recent earthquake that hit north of Los Angeles in Southern California during Hurricane Hilary, social media users widely circulated a video purporting to show flooding at the Vermont/Beverly Station in Los Angeles.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed that the circulating video is not connected to the recent earthquake that occurred north of Los Angeles, in southern California, during Hurricane Hilary.
The Flood Video is From Universal Studios
Contrary to the widely circulated claim, the video does not show actual flooding in Los Angeles, California, recently.
The video depicts a segment from the "Earthquake: The Big One" experience within the Universal Studios Hollywood Studios Tour. This segment is known as part of the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot studio tour.
Various YouTube channels have shared similar videos featuring the tour. Evidently, the shared video was filmed in a location that closely resembles the one depicted in the other videos.
The videos unmistakably display identical set decorations.
Moreover, several websites have also circulated comparable photos of the flooding within the Universal Studios tour.
Universal Studios Tour
The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour, originating in 1964, is a prominent attraction within the park. The current tram tour offers a 45-minute to one-hour cinematic journey through the studio lot, featuring movie sets, sound stages, 3D attractions, props, animatronics, and special effects used in iconic films. Providing an exclusive peek into the entertainment industry, the studio tour includes real filming sets, immersive experiences, and insights into Hollywood's show business.
Located in the Upper Lot across from the Lower Lot escalators, this mild tram ride has no height requirement, making it suitable for all. However, there are no single-rider or rider switch options. While primarily in English, special tours in Spanish and Mandarin are available upon request.
Earthquake -The Big One, Universal Studios Hollywood
The Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour includes the Earthquake Scene, known as "the big one," as a segment of the backlot studio tour. This attraction simulates a significant earthquake experience and is currently closed for refurbishment until spring 2024.
The Earthquake Scene takes place inside a San Francisco subway station and is designed to replicate an 8.3-magnitude earthquake. This portion of the tour has gained attention on YouTube, where various channels have shared point-of-view (POV) videos showcasing the experience. Universal Studios Hollywood has stated that the scene is a central part of the studio tour, offering an immersive earthquake simulation to visitors.
Storm Hilary Causes Rainfall and Flooding in California
In an extraordinary occurrence, Storm Hilary delivered a year's worth of rainfall to Death Valley in just a single day, resulting in the most intense 24-hour period of precipitation ever documented in the region.
While there have been no reported fatalities, impactful visuals featured rescuers maneuvering through roads buried beneath mud and debris. Particularly notable was the rescue operation of 14 residents from a flooded care facility in Cathedral City, near Palm Springs, involving the use of a bulldozer. In Palm Springs, the storm led to the complete isolation of the area.
Following its impact on California, Hurricane Hilary moved northward, prompting flood advisories and alerts across numerous states. Simultaneously, a recent 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Southern California, which occurred two days earlier, did not result in significant damage or injuries, as affirmed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
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