Video shows heavy rains caused large chasm and major damage along Highway 1 near Big Sur

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. -- Dramatic images from a sheriff's drone shows the extent of damage on Highway 1 near Big Sur about 30 miles north of the San Luis Obispo County line.

A drone from the Monterey County Sheriff's Department captured some of the first images showing the significant destruction caused by runoff that pummeled the region while an "atmospheric river" funneled heavy downpours of rain for more than 48 hours.

CalTrans called what happened a "slip out" along Highway 1 at Rat Creek. Photos and videos from the scene show the entire roadway and land beneath it gave way along the coastline, causing a yawning chasm that will confound engineers as efforts begin to repair and reopen the picturesque highway.

For now, the highway is closed at Fullers Lookout.

Engineers believe the heavy rains sent debris flowing from the burn scar of the Dolan Fire, making it a significant factor in the destruction.

CalTrans work crews and other emergency crews remain on the scene to assess the damage. The scope of the landslide means repairs will be extensive and take a long time to complete.