USA – 1 Dead, 2 Missing After Record Rain Triggers Floods in California

by in News, USA

Severe weather including record heavy rain affected parts of Southern California, USA, and bordering parts of Baja California State in northern Mexico. At least 1 person has died and 2 are still missing after being swept away by flood waters in Ontario, California.

Search and rescue after floods in Ontario, CA, USA, 08 November 2022. Photo: Ontario Fire Department

National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego, California reported 9.14 inches / 232.15 mm of rain fell in 48 hours to 08 November in Lytle Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains, within San Bernardino County. San Sevaine in San Bernardino County recorded 7.28 inches / 184.91 mm during the same period.

Heavy rain was also reported in cities. NWS San Diego reported daily record highs in San Diego, with 0.64 inches / 16.26 mm beating the previous 0.52 inches set in 1946; and Oceanside Harbor, with 0.91 inches / 23.11 mm beating the previous daily high of 0.64 inches set in 1979. Daily rainfall records were also reported for Vista, Lake Elsinore, San Jacinto, Escondido, Ramona and El Cajon.

Wind gusts of 89 mph (145 km/h) were also reported.

Roads were closed in the city of Hesperia due to flooding and downed power lines. Landslides and mudflows temporarily blocked numerous roads across San Bernardino County, California Department of transport reported.

Evacuation orders were issued for homes near burn scar areas in Yucaipa. Yucaipa Police said: “There is a potential for mud and debris flow which may affect the El Dorado and Apple fire burn scars. The communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Northeast Yucaipa are now subject to an evacuation order.”

American Red Cross Southern California opened a shelter to house evacuees. San Bernardino County Animal Care assisted those in need of help evacuating animals.

San Bernardino County Fire Department reported water rescues in Devore, Upland and Ontario. Ontario Fire Department said they received reports of 6 people swept away by fast flowing water in a flood channel. Crews managed to rescue 3 of the victims. As of late 08 November, one person had been found dead and 2 more were still missing. Ontario Fire Department said search operations are continuing, using multiple air and ground resources.

Baja California, Mexico

Streets were flooded in Tijuana, Mexico, causing major traffic disruption. As of 08 November no damages or fatalities had been reported.

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