Eastern LA County, Inland Empire Getting Flooding Rains
CLAREMONT (CBSLA.com) — Heavy rain from a cluster of thunderstorms in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains led the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Warning for communities including Glendora, Claremont, Falling Springs and Mount Baldy.
Meanwhile in Claremont, residents were advised to go indoors to get away from lightning from a thunderstorm that developed just before 5 p.m. Local flooding could be expected, according to the weather service.
The storms were nearly stationary much of the afternoon, with rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour reported in the area above the Williams Burn. Hail, gusty winds and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning were also possible with the storms.
The National Weather Service warned hikers to stay out of streams and dry river beds.
Heavy storms also led to flood warnings near Wrightwood and Yucaipa. Major flash flooding was reported in Forest Falls, a San Bernardino County community where county fire officials told residents to shelter in place. Swift water rescue teams are on standby in case they are needed.
The flooding rains also washed away an eastbound lane of Interstate 10 about 40 miles east of Indio. Debris was flowing onto Highway 74 near Mountain Center, between Hemet and Indio.
The California Highway Patrol sent officers to check on reports that hundreds of vehicles were stuck on Highway 62 near Joshua Tree National Park.
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