Flash Flood — Riverside, California

2005-01-09 · near Temecula, Riverside, California

Wider weather episode

Widespread flash flooding resulted in the closure of the southbound 15 freeway between Highway 79 and Rainbow Valley Rd. De Portola Road was littered with debris and rocks. Many low water crossings were washed out. Additional flooding and downed power lines were reported near Pechanga. A mudslide ran over Highway 79 at Anza Rd. Flash flooding along another stretch of Highway 79 near Vail Lake caused rapid runoff a foot deep to rush over the roadway. Additional mudslides were reported along Highways 76 and 78. Ortega Highway had to be shut down because of flooding west of Lake Elsinore. Nearby Temescal Canyon Road was inundated by severe flooding and swift runoff when a flood control channel overflowed its banks. Many residents in the Redhawk area were unable to reach their homes. Motorists on several roadways encountered water up to mid door in depth. In fact, several swift water rescues were conducted as motorists became trapped in flash floods from Murrieta, to Temecula, to Valley Center. Flash flooding in area creeks flooded several homes in south Temecula and washed out a section of Pechanga Parkway.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.4667, -117.0667)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5438123. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.