Traffic snarled on eastbound I-10 near Desert Center after flooding, overturned truck
Traffic was moving on eastbound Interstate 10 east of Desert Center in a single lane that was reopened Thursday morning after the road was closed for several hours by flooding from a storm and an overturned truck.
The lane opened about 7:30 a.m. and California Highway Patrol Lt. Chris Hamilton reported that it was again the fastest route between the Coachella Valley and Blythe. Sigalert.com reported speeds of between 45 and 55 mph on both eastbound and westbound I-10 east of Desert Center as of 11:30 p.m.
The flooding occurred east of Corn Springs Road at approximately 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, California Highway Patrol Officer Jordan Girard said. It originally closed the road in both directions. The problem was initially worsened because State Route 177 was blocked by downed power lines. State Route 177 also reopened Thursday morning.
California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Mallett said that a portion of a freeway bypass being used to take drivers around an area where new roadway is being built was washed out. However, he said that eastbound traffic has been moved onto a portion of the redone roadway, although with only one lane.
For much of the closure, drivers had been encouraged to take other routes and at one point were being rerouted through Brawley via State Route 86 or told to take Interstate 40 to the north.
Mallett said he did not know how long it would take to get I-10 operating normally again.
"I know last time this happened it was quite awhile," he said.
There are three sections of roadway within a 5-mile stretch that are washed out, he said.
The westbound lanes on I-10 were previously closed but reopened Wednesday night, although delays are still being seen.
Thunderstorms passed through the desert region on Wednesday resulting in floods. A flash flood could also be seen on Amboy Road, near Twentynine Palms.
Across the Coachella Valley, there is a 30% to 40% chance of precipitation depending on the city Thursday
The Coachella Valley had a 30% to 40% chance of thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Dan Gregoria, a National Weather Service meteorologist, advised people to turn around if they encounter water over a road and find shelter if they hear thunder.
“The desert region's really susceptible to flash flooding if heavy rain does fall and lightning strikes from thunderstorms, even a distance from the thunderstorm,” he said. “It might not be even raining over your location, but you could be at risk of flash flooding and lightning strikes if a thunderstorm's nearby.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
Ani Gasparyan covers the western Coachella Valley cities of Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City. Reach her at ani.gasparyan@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Traffic snarled on eastbound I-10 by Desert Center after flooding
