A Christmas Eve storm brought flooding and forced road closures across the High Desert and region, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a regional “state of emergency.”
The downpour on Wednesday, Dec. 24, flooded out streets and roadways, and prompted evacuation warnings and “shelter in place” orders in some hardest-hit communities.
Residents of Wrightwood began their day under evacuation warning due to hazardous mud and debris flows, along with the communities of Forest Falls, Seven Oaks, Angelus Oaks, Northeast Yucaipa, Oak Glen and Highland, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities issued an evacuation order for Lytle Creek just before 4 p.m., and another in the Piñon Hills area shortly before 6 p.m.
“An evacuation order indicates an immediate and serious risk to life. Residents must leave the area immediately and move to a safer location,” the sheriff’s department stated via social media.
“If you are in the evacuation area, gather essential belongings, secure your property if time permits, and evacuate without delay,” the statement said. “Avoid flooded roads and areas impacted by debris. Stay informed through official channels and follow all directions from public safety officials.”
Wrightwood was a particular concern to first responders, where sheriff’s officials upgraded the evacuation warning to a “shelter in place” order about 1:40 p.m.
“Due to mud and debris flow in the area the community of Wrightwood is advised to shelter in place,” the agency said in a public alert. “Avoid unnecessary travel. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas. For emergencies dial 911. Stay safe and remain alert for updates.”
The situation in Wrightwood grew more severe as the day progressed, according to an afternoon update from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
“San Bernardino County Fire remains in command of the Wrightwood Incident as ongoing rain continues to worsen mud and debris flows and flooding,” the statement said. “The primary focus remains life safety. Crews are conducting door-to-door checks in impacted areas and advising residents in danger zones to evacuate immediately,” the statement said.
“Residents outside this area are also strongly encouraged to evacuate as conditions may rapidly worsen,” fire officials added.
An evacuation center for displaced residents was originally set up at Serrano High School, 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan. But it was moved to the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh Street in Victorville, on Wednesday night, county officials said.
The shelter was able to accommodate both pets and large animals, officials added.
Residents were urged to keep up with the latest information online at prepare.sbcounty.gov.
Fire officials offered sympathies to families whose holiday was being affected by the storm.
“San Bernardino County Fire is devastated that many families are unable to be home together this Christmas due to the ongoing impacts of this incident,” according to department spokesman Christopher Prater. “Our hearts are with everyone affected, and our crews remain committed to supporting the community during this difficult time.”
“Once all immediate life safety issues have been mitigated, crews will begin transitioning to property preservation efforts where conditions allow,” Prater said in a written statement. “These efforts may include damming, diverting water, and salvaging property at affected structures.”
Road closures in San Bernardino County
Localized flooding shut down numerous streets, including many roadways in Hesperia.
Hesperia
Meanwhile, city of Hesperia officials on Wednesday morning announced the following road closures due to flooding:
On Wednesday, dozens of vehicles, including trucks, vans, SUVs and tow trucks were seen driving around “Road Closed” signs as they approached flooded crossings.
Other roadways
Stretches of Highway 138 and Highway 18 were also closed, Caltrans officials said.
A closure was also put in place for Highway 2, between Highway 138 and Cardinal Road in Wrightwood.
Highway 138 was shut down between the 15 Freeway and Beekley Road, as well between Old Mill Road and Highway 173. Highway 18 was flooded at Sheep Creek Road in Phelan.
Drivers saw repeated lane closures on the 15 Freeway as crews worked to remove debris that had made its way onto the roadway, as well as clear collisions, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Northbound traffic on the 15 Freeway was backed up from the Cajon Pass beyond the 215 Freeway interchange on Wednesday afternoon. Southbound traffic was also moving slowly.
Simultaneously, firefighters handled dozens of rescues across the region in which motorists drove into flooded areas and became stuck, particularly in the Hesperia and North Desert areas, authorities said.
Governor declares ‘state of emergency’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a “state of emergency” for Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Shasta counties.
“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms,” he said in the proclamation. “The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities, and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe.”
In advance of the anticipated storm, state officials directed emergency responders to pre-deploy resources at high-risk spots throughout the state.
They included 55 fire engines, 10 swift-water rescue teams, five hand crews, five dozers, three helicopters, an urban search and rescue Team and over 300 personnel, according to the governor’s office.
California river water levels
Excessive rainfall forecast
California weather watches and warnings
(This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Storm floods High Desert roadways, prompts evacuations
Reporting by Brian Day and Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
