Floods kill one as heavy rain, wind and cold blasts California's Inland Empire and Victor Valley
A Pacific storm on Election Day Tuesday resulted in flooded roadways, closed streets, and several water rescues, including one fatality, in San Bernardino County.
A flash flood warning was also issued for the High Desert on Tuesday afternoon as heavy rain and strong wind gusts continued to impact the region.
There were no reports of voting being delayed by the storms, according to officials,
The storm began Monday with heavy rain and strong winds. After a lull in the storm, meteorologists expect round two to hit on Tuesday afternoon.
A cold front, with a long line of heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts, is expected to roll through Southern California from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported.
Wind gusts between 50 and 70 mph were recorded in Hesperia, Wrightwood, Lake Arrowhead, Pinon Hills, Crestline, and Phelan.
Gusts were clocked between 50 and 30 mph in Victorville, Summit Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Apple Valley.
Evening temperatures across the Victor Valley are expected to drop into the 40s as heavy rain continues through Wednesday.
Meteorologists expect mountain peaks above the 6,000-foot elevation level to receive anywhere from 6 to 20-inches of snow.
Water rescues
The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported water rescues in Devore, Upland, and Ontario.
The Ontario Fire Department reported on Tuesday afternoon that one person was found dead and two more missing after six subjects were swept away in a wash in the 1200 block of East Fourth Street.
On Tuesday morning, the first fire unit on the scene reported six subjects were swept downstream by the current. Later that day, rescue personnel rescued three subjects.
Road closures
The city of Hesperia reported that due to flooding, the intersections of Peach Avenue at Centennial Street and Peach Avenue at Hinton Street are temporarily closed.
Also in Hesperia, Cottonwood Avenue and Hawthorne Road, both located
south of Ranchero Road south of Ranchero Road
The San Bernardino Mountains on Tuesday faced road closures due to flooding, mudflows, and rocks and debris on roadways, according to Caltrans.
Highway 38 was closed in both directions due to mud, rockfall, and debris. Commuters are requested to use Hwy. 330 to 18.
Highway 18 was closed in both directions from 48th Street to the Highway 138/18 bridge due to flooding and mud cleanup.
The Yucaipa Sheriff’s Station at around 12:30 p.m. issued an evacuation order as potential mud, and debris flow may affect the El Dorado and Apple fire burn scars. The areas include Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Northeast Yucaipa.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: California weather: Winter storm brings heavy rain, flash flood fears
