Dangerous Temecula Road Conditions: Rescues, Closures

TEMECULA VALLEY, CA — As a storm pounded the region, several Temecula Valley area roads experienced flooding conditions on Thursday. The weather kept emergency responders busy, and multiple water rescue operations happened in the Southwest Riverside County area.

Just before 6 a.m., fire officials were called to the 31000 block of Strawberry Tree Lane in Temecula.

"Firefighters arrived on scene and located one patient in the middle of the Temecula Creek waterway and requested a total of two Swift Water Rescue Teams," the Riverside County Fire Department said.

The first team managed to rescue the person using their boat, according to the fire department. The second rescue team was canceled and the person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Elsewhere in the region, and at almost the exact same time Thursday morning, a trio of motorists became stranded in Menifee. That was in the area of Matthews and Ethanac roads.

"Firefighters arrived on scene and reported three vehicles in the roadway with water depth at the vehicle doors and a total of five victims," fire officials said. "A total of three rescuers made entry into the water and deployed their boat."

All five people were rescued evaluated by paramedics, but no one needed to be hospitalized, according to the fire department.

"Firefighters are working with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to have the vehicles removed," the agency said.

Closures In Temecula, Murrieta

As for other flooded roadways in town, Temecula city officials reported that Old Town Front Street, south of Santiago and north of Temecula Parkway, was closed Thursday due to flooding.

Over in Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs was closed from Jackson to Winchester, according to police. Jackson may be used as an alternate route.

"In case you didn't know - Jackson becomes Ynez and will take you to Winchester Road," Murrieta police said. "You can also take Date from Jackson to Margarita and access the homes along Margarita or go to Winchester. You WILL NOT be allowed onto Murrieta Hot Springs from Margarita."

"If you are north of Murrieta Hot Springs and need to get to Winchester, please use Alta Murrieta and take it to Jackson," police said. "You can also use Clinton Keith Road to get to Winchester."

Police urge drivers to plan ahead.

Have you spotted any troublesome spots in the area? Let us know in the comments!

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone