Winds Topple Big Rigs On 14 Freeway Near Lancaster; Freeway Shut Down

LANCASTER (CBSLA.com/AP) — At least half a dozen big-rigs were blown over Tuesday as strong winds whipped across the Mojave Desert north of Lancaster.

State Highway 14 was shut down between Lancaster and Mojave after the winds toppled the trucks, said Officer Gil Hernandez of the California Highway Patrol.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The CHP was keeping big rigs and other high-profile vehicles off nearby State Highway 58 because of strong winds.

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Warnings and advisories for strong winds through Wednesday were posted for the region by the National Weather Service, which said gusts could reach 60 mph.

Lanes were closed north of Lancaster between Avenue D and Kern County, authorities said.

"What we're hearing is that winds are sustained at 88 miles an hour with gusts up to 100, so you can understand why those rigs have toppled and why we've had to close the road," Caltrans' Lauren Wonder told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

The California Highway Patrol's traffic web page says high-profile vehicles were also not being allowed on a section of State Route 58.

The National Weather Service posted high wind warnings and advisories due to strong west-to-northwest winds sweeping through the region through Wednesday. Forecasters said gusts in the mountains and Antelope Valley could reach 60 mph.

Drivers were advised to stay away from the area until the winds subside.

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