Floods Create Chaos On Inland Empire Freeways On First Day Of Spring

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Multiple crashes clogged roadways after heavy downpours descended in our region overnight. Rainfall and thunderstorms rang in the first day of spring throughout the Inland Empire Tuesday with more on the way, the National Weather Service said.

Multiple collisions slowed traffic to a near crawl across the Inland Empire with California Highway Patrol and Caltrans reporting numerous hydroplane incidents leading to injury accidents on the 15, 60, 215 and 91 Freeways as well as state Route 74 outside of Hemet.

Travelers on the I-215 northbound just south of Clinton Keith were stuck in traffic due to slick roads and flooded lanes. At least one car skidded off the right shoulder of the freeway as a driver lost control, CHP reported. It landed on its roof and slid down an embankment according to reports.

In Hemet, the eastbound lanes of SR-74 were closed between View Lane and Blackburn Road due to flooding as of 9 a.m., according to Caltrans. The expected length of that closure was not known as drivers were asked to seek alternate routes.

Elsewhere in Riverside County, at least one car spun out at the 15 Freeway and Indian Truck trail due to slick road conditions. The 91 Freeway westbound was bumper-to-bumper traffic after multiple crashes were reported from the merge to the Green River Road exit.

Forecasters predicted the rain would continue through Wednesday night though the brunt of the storm would occur Tuesday bringing with it thunderstorms and high winds across the Inland Empire.

A high wind watch was issued for Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, with southwest winds of 35 to 45 mph and local gusts of 65 to 75 mph.

Forecasters also warned of possible flooding in the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs.

"Significant flow expected in the Whitewater River and the Coachella Storm Water Channel by Wednesday morning," the NWS said.

Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected in the lower elevations of the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass.

"These flows are forecast to reach Palm Springs early Wednesday morning, and flow southward through the Coachella Valley to Indio and beyond during the day," the NWS added. "The flow will impact low-water crossings and may create dangerous swift-water areas through the valley."

A winter storm watch was in effect above 4,000 feet Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

Daytime temperatures in the Riverside metropolitan area will drop into the 50s Tuesday through Thursday, while the Coachella Valley will see highs in the 60s.

Sunny skies should return by Friday as temperatures become warmer heading into the weekend, according to the NWS.

City News Service Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.