At Least 10 Trucks Toppled By Wind In Mojave Desert
Heavy winds wreaked havoc on California traffic today, overturning at least 10 trucks and shutting down major interstates.
Gusts of up to 100 m.p.h. and blowing dust reduced visibility to almost zero this morning in southern California.
The L.A. Times reports that at least 10 trucks were blown over by winds in the Antelope Valley area, while other reports suggest that 7 trucks were toppled over by wind on SR-14 alone.
Authorities shut down the northbound lanes of SR-14 temporarily. They have since reopened for passenger vehicles, but it is unclear when trucks will be allowed through. SR-14 has been closed to high profile vehicles from Avenue D to Highway 395 in Lone Pine. Transportation officials recommend drivers avoid the area and take either Interstate 5 or the 101 Freeway.
A portion of SR-58 has also been closed to truck traffic.
No major injuries have been reported.
ME190 on scene with overturned trucks in Mojave this morning. @CalCityFD pic.twitter.com/kQ3FGdqqjt
— PIO Brandon Vaccaro (@PIO_BrandonV) December 22, 2015
Sources:
KPCC
CBS Los Angeles
LA Times
KRON 4