Severe Weather Conditions Prompt Lane Closures and Traffic Woes on I-15 Freeway

CAJON PASS, CA - Thursday, February 1, 2024, brought heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in emergency lane closures and a series of traffic incidents, causing significant delays for commuters navigating the I-15 freeway.

At 3:00 am, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) took precautionary measures, closing a lane on both the north and southbound sides of I-15 between Ranchero Road and Main Street in Hesperia due to potential flooding concerns.

The emergency lane closures set the stage for a day of challenging travel conditions.

The slowdown on the southbound I-15 starts just north of Main Street, creating stop-and-go traffic that persisted down to the 15/215 interchange in the Cajon Pass.

By 9:07 am, a two-vehicle collision was reported on the southbound I-15, just south of Ranchero Road. The incident involved a white Ford Transit van and a Chevy Tahoe SUV. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the vehicles involved were able to exit at the off-ramp, mitigating further disruptions.

Shortly thereafter, at 9:19 am, a white Toyota Camry became disabled after colliding with the center divider on the southbound I-15, just south of Glen Helen Parkway. This incident added to the challenges faced by commuters, further impacting the flow of traffic in the area.

At 9:54 am, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a blue Mazda that had spun out and overturned in the no.1 lane of the southbound I-15 near Blue Cut. CHP officers initiated a traffic break to assess the situation, check on the occupants, and facilitate the arrival of a tow truck. One person was transported by ambulance with minor injuries.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heavy rain and thunderstorms are anticipated between 9 am and 3 pm. Additionally, the snow level is forecasted to start near 7000 feet on Thursday, gradually falling to 4500-5000 feet later in the afternoon and evening. The NWS also warned of strong south winds, gusting up to 50 mph at times, further complicating travel conditions.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, adhere to posted speed limits, and stay updated on weather and traffic conditions as the day progresses. Authorities are actively managing the situation and responding to incidents to ensure the safety of the public during this challenging weather event.

Heavy rainfall along the -15 freeway through the Cajon Pass,Photo by(Moris Manzur)