Strong winds, heavy rain bring miserable conditions to Cajon Pass, Victor Valley
Strong winds, heavy rain and fog led to numerous traffic collisions and one swift water rescue in the Cajon Pass since Tuesday.
Low visibility resulted in over a dozen traffic collisions between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on or near Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass, according to California Highway Patrol.
One collision included a vehicle on its roof on I-15, north of the I-215 split. The condition of the driver or passengers wasn't released by authorities.
Caltrans reported that visibility in higher-level elevations was a “big nope,” and that commuters heading to the mountains should consider bringing chains.
The first day of a two-day atmospheric river storm also pounded the Victor Valley leading to flooding that forced the temporary closure of several roadways, including Cottonwood Avenue south of Ranchero Road in Hesperia.
On Tuesday night, City of Hesperia officials announced that flooding in the Mojave River led to the temporary closure of Rock Springs Road between Glendale Avenue in Hesperia and Deep Creek Road in Apple Valley.
Around 11:15 a.m., San Bernardino Fire responded to a swift water rescue near Swarthout Canyon Road and N. Cajon Boulevard in Devore. Firefighters said a vehicle tried to cross high water and was swept away in the current. The driver got out of the vehicle and sat along the bank until he was rescued.
A second swift water rescue was reported at around 6:40 p..m. near Keenbrook Road and Cajon Boulevard in Devore.
A total rainfall summary on Tuesday morning showed up to 2 inches had fallen in the mountains and under an inch in the High Desert.
High winds expected to hit Victor Valley
Wednesday morning’s snow level will fall to 4,000 to 4,500 feet. Rain and mountain snow will continue throughout the day. Rain and strong winds will also continue throughout the Victor Valley.
After Thursday and through the weekend, another low-pressure system is expected to bring more rain by mid-week.
Through Wednesday afternoon, strong winds are expected along the lower slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains, with gusts nearing 90 to 100 mph
Peak wind gusts of 60 mph are expected in the Victor Valley. A high wind warning has been issued for Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley,
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: Bad weather makes conditions miserable for Victor Valley, Cajon Pass
