Sudden Temecula Area Downpours Trigger Rock Slides, Debris Flows, Road Closures

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Thunderstorm activity in western Riverside County Tuesday triggered roadway flooding, mud slides and debris flows, prompting temporary road closures in several locations. Downpours in Lake Elsinore, Perris and Temecula between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. led to disruptions on unincorporated streets and on freeways.

Near the site of Monday's wildfire on the west end of Lake Elsinore, rapidly flowing water at Grand Avenue and Plumas Street forced the California Highway Patrol to temporarily close off the intersection.

At the northbound Interstate 215 connector bridge to the westbound Riverside (91) Freeway, several lanes flooded, creating rush-hour traffic hazards, the CHP reported.

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In the area of Sharp Road and Spring Street, just west of Perris, debris flows created hazardous driving conditions, and a hard closure was put into effect on Sharp, between Spring and Theda streets, according to reports from the scene.

Riverside County Department of Transportation officials also closed Theda Street, between Olive Avenue and Sharp Road, due to flooding.

A mudslide was reported along Rainbow Canyon Road, near southbound Interstate 15 in Temecula, according to the CHP. No freeway lanes were closed, however.

Heavy flooding was reported in the area of Indian Truck Trail and Temescal Canyon Road, just south of Corona. County officials were assessing whether a closure was necessary.

On northbound I-15 at Lake Street in Lake Elsinore, water pooled in all except the fast lane just before 4 p.m., according to the CHP. Motorists were snaking through using the center divider.

Satellite images showed the heaviest concentrations of rain in the southwest county area as thunderstorm cells reached maturity. Less intense rainfall reached Corona, Moreno Valley and Riverside, with some cells backing up from the east amid hot and humid conditions.

— By City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone