High winds topple 2 semi trucks, I-8 closed to high profile vehicles
Strong winds in Descanso, California sent two semi trucks toppling over early Thursday morning.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to a call around 4 a.m., to eastbound Interstate 8 near Japatul Valley Road.
Intense wind in the area had caused a semi truck to tip over.
Crews removed two people from the truck and both were taken to the hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
Following the rescue, a second big rig was toppled over by the high winds a few hundred feet down the road.
Emergency crews rushed to the rig, breaking the windshield to remove a man, woman and dog trapped inside the truck. The couple and dog have injuries of unknown severity.
A High Wind Advisory was issued for I-8 from Lake Jennings to Forrester Road. High-profile vehicles are prohibited on that stretch of I-8.
Around noon on Thursday, the California Highway Patrol announced that a portion of I-8 is closed to high profile vehicles due to high winds. I-8 is currently shut down to high profile vehicles from East Willows to SR-98.
A Red Flag Warning is in place for most of Southern California. The National Weather Service has warned the area that the possible onset, of critical weather like high winds, and dry conditions could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. Drivers should be aware when passing through the area and adhere to weather precautions.