Flooding Closes EB 91 Freeway Connector To NB 71 In Corona

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The freeway connector from eastbound state Route 91 to northbound state Route 71 has been closed due to flooding, Caltrans announced just after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The agency is telling motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

The time it will take to clear the water is unknown, the agency said. The storm is expected to continue pounding the area through the afternoon.

Mud and rockslides are impacting several mountain highways in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Caltrans is asking motorists to avoid mountain travel. Due to heavy snowfall, chains are required in the higher elevations; the CHP has set up chain checkpoints across the region.

According to the National Weather Service, total snow accumulations are predicted at 4 to 12 inches in mountain communities sitting between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Above the 7,000-foot elevation, 1 to 3 feet of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts above 8,000 feet.

Related: Storm Evacuation Updates For Riverside, San Bernardino Counties