Strong storm with rain, wind expected in the Victor Valley, snow in mountains

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
·4 min read
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Two-day storm with heavy rain, strong winds expected to arrive Tuesday in the Victor Valley. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas.
Two-day storm with heavy rain, strong winds expected to arrive Tuesday in the Victor Valley. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

An atmospheric river is expected to arrive Tuesday, bringing two days of strong winds and heavy rain to the Victor Valley.

The storm could dump as much as 3 feet of snow in the San Bernardino Mountains after the area hit in late February and early March with as much as 10 feet of snow.

The rain is still expected late Tuesday morning and will continue through Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported.

During the storm, snow levels will start near the 5,000-foot level and increase to 5,500-6,500 feet before dropping to 4,000 feet.

The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday afternoon and evening, with peak gusts of over 70 mph possible in the deserts and mountains.

Peak gusts of 83 mph are expected in Lucerne Valley, 76 mph in western Hesperia, and 71 mph in Wrightwood.

Predicted rain totals are 2 to 5 inches in the mountains and .25 to 1 inch in the High Desert.

High temperatures should hover between the low 50s and high 40s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall through Wednesday could contribute to flooding, especially at low-water crossings, the NWS said.

The recent storm swelled the Mojave River resulting in the closure of Rock Springs Road between Apple Valley and Hesperia. River water from the river also reached Barstow and Daggett.

Apple Valley officials on Thursday declared an emergency to allow work crews to reinforce the embankment between the overflowing Mojave River and a sewer line.

Mojave River water flow through Barstow. On Wednesday, above-ground water from the river passed Barstow and reached Daggett Road after leaving the Silverwood spillway.
Mojave River water flow through Barstow. On Wednesday, above-ground water from the river passed Barstow and reached Daggett Road after leaving the Silverwood spillway.

Storm preparations to take now

San Bernardino County first responder agencies have been making specific preparations for the storm and urging residents —especially in the mountains —to prepare.

The County has taken the following steps to prepare:

  • All county public works operations employees, seasonal employees, and on-call contractors are being activated for snow plowing and storm patrol to operate staged equipment on split shifts for 24-hour coverage. They will remain on duty through the duration of the storm.

  • Residents and businesses should be aware that plowing all county thoroughfares and roads takes time and that priority is given to main arteries.

  • The SBC County Flood Control District crews are being activated on split shifts for the storm's duration. Equipment is staged at strategic sites, including the El Dorado Fire burn area and along the Mojave River, to help manage increased runoff from the snow melt.

  • First-line-of-defense flood control basins in the foothills have been cleared and are ready to accept mud and debris flows.

  • The SBC Fire Protection District has requested the State Office of Emergency Services for two strike teams consisting of 10 engine crews from other California agencies to be staged at a central location so they can be dispatched as needs arise.

  • SBC Fire has also stationed swift-water rescue teams throughout the county, including the Mojave River.

  • Hand crews and bulldozers have also been pre-positioned throughout the county.

  • The SBC Sheriff’s Department has added extra deputies for routine patrol for the next two weeks, along with deputies assigned to address traffic-related issues and enforce anti-roadside snow play regulations.

  • The SBC Office of Emergency Services continuously monitors the weather, coordinates reports, and implements multi-agency coordination calls.

  • SBC is prepared to activate the Telephone Emergency Notification System to warn residents who might be in danger.

The Town of Apple Valley on Thursday declared an emergency to allow work crews to reinforce the embankment between the overflowing Mojave River and a sewer line.
The Town of Apple Valley on Thursday declared an emergency to allow work crews to reinforce the embankment between the overflowing Mojave River and a sewer line.

Live in the mountains? Here's what you need to know

County officials urge residents, especially those in the mountains and areas susceptible to flooding, to take the following precautions:

  • Limit travel as much as possible. When you do have to travel, do so with caution.

  • Stay abreast of road conditions on state highways at quickmap.dot.ca.gov and for SBC roads at dpw.sbcounty.gov/operations/road-closures/.

  • Maintain a two-week supply of food, water, medications, essential equipment, and fuel.

  • Stay clear of moving water.

  • Monitor weather reports for emergency advisories by visiting the National Weather Service at weather.gov/sgx/.

  • The TENS system is preloaded with all landline telephone numbers in the county. However, it is updated only every six months and does not include mobile numbers. To ensure you receive TENS alerts, sign up at sbcounty.gov/sbcfire/Tens/TensContact.aspx.

  • Do what you can to prevent snow from accumulating on roofs adjacent to your home. Beware of snow and ice sliding down from rooftops.

  • Protect your property with sandbags if you are vulnerable to flooding. Check the SBC Fire sandbag website at sbcfire.org/sandbags/.

  • Use tarps to protect damaged structures. Check for updates and helpful information on the SBC Snow Information website at snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/ or the county’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SanBernardinoCounty/.

For storm information and assistance, call the SBC’s information line at 909-387-3911. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekly. Voicemails left after hours will be returned the following morning.

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: Storm with rain, wind expected in the Victor Valley, snow in mountains