Havoc On IE Freeways: Semis Overturn Across Region Due To Winds

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — High winds Tuesday morning have caused multiple big rigs to overturn across the Inland Empire prompting SigAlerts and a warning from Caltrans.

As of 9:15 a.m., Caltrans reported seven big rigs had overturned. The latest was at the eastbound SR-60 to southbound I-15 in Eastvale where a SigAlert remains in place. Just three hours earlier, Caltrans said a box truck overturned in the same area.

Just a few minutes prior to the latest Eastvale incident, Caltrans warned that the southbound I-15 connector to eastbound I-10 was closed due an overturned semi. Additionally the northbound I-15 to westbound I-10 was closed.

"Overblown semis. Semis advised NOT to TRAVEL," Caltrans posted on social media shortly after 9 a.m.

"Extreme winds again today folks. Avoid travel if possible. Do not drive next to semis and high profile vehicles. Semis not recommended on 15 in Fontana/Devore area," the agency said.

All passes and canyon areas are considered dangerous due to a high wind warning that remains in effect through 2 p.m. Tuesday.

"Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles [traveling] on interstates 15 and 215
below Cajon Pass, and Interstate 10 through [the] San Gorgonio Pass," the National Weather Service warned.

At least one fatality involving a big rig has been reported. In Rancho Cucamonga, a motorcyclist was killed around 11:30 p.m. on southbound I-15 in Rancho Cucamonga when the rider and a semi collided. It's unclear if wind was a crash factor but the truck ended up slamming into the center median and bursting into flames. According to several media reports, the truck escaped serious injury.

As of 8 a.m., the 4th Street onramp to the northbound I-15 at the crash site remained shut down for hazmat cleanup, the California Highway Patrol reported.