Storm damage limits access to mountain communities
Yesterday’s storm caused all roads up and down to Mountain Center and nearby communities to close. Over eight inches of rain and snow melt hit the same mountain that endured the 13,139-acre Cranston Fire in July and August.
“I was raised up here. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Jennifer Wood, a resident of Idyllwild.
The Idyllwild Fire Protection Districts reports there was major damage to Highway 243 between Banning and Idyllwild and Highway 74 between Idyllwild and Hemet.
“Heavy rain in conjunction with the burn scars from the Cranston fire caused numerous mudflows and debris flows that we haven’t seen in years,” a California Highway Patrol officer said.
Rain and flooding caused Highway 243 to wash out near Lake Fulmor.
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Two of the three main roads up the mountain will be closed for 4 to 6 weeks. Caltrans estimates repairs to those roads will cost $8 million.
Crews will be working around the clock to remove debris remaining on roadways. Authorities urge drivers to be extra careful.
“Utilize those roads for necessity only during this time,” said IFPD assistant chief Mark Lamont.
Residents of the mountain communities were told to take shelter indefinitely.
“I went to the market yesterday and all the bread was gone,” said Nathan DeJarnette, an Idyllwild resident.
Streets and homes in Idyllwild flooded, some weren’t even able to get back home.
“I had to spend the night down the hill and they barely got my son out of school in time to get back home,” said Ken Edwards, an Idyllwild resident.
The Idyllwild fire department reported double the usual number of emergency calls yesterday.
The town of Idyllwild once again on the road to recovery.
“The big thing is rebuilding and infrastructure. That’s one thing that we’re trying with Idyllwild Strong, building a fund for relief for this kind of thing because it seems to be happening more and more,” DeJarnette said.
Locals on and off the mountain said they were able to stay informed yesterday using the Riv Co Alert System. During natural disaster emergencies, the county sends out vital information to residents. Click here to register for alerts.
