Interstate 10 Begins Reopening After Tropical Storm Hilary Closure

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Mudslides forced the closure Monday of Interstate 10 in the desert, but westbound lanes were reopened shortly after 12 p.m., and at approximately 5:45 p.m. the California Highway Patrol said two lanes were reopened on the eastbound side.

The interstate was closed overnight in both directions between Bob Hope Drive and Gene Autry Trail due to flooding in the Palm Springs area, police said.

Northbound Route 111 was closed Monday as well as a result of mudslides, according to the California Highway Patrol, which added that the southbound state route was being evaluated to ensure safe passage.

The mudslides followed record-breaking rains that struck Sunday as Tropical Storm Hilary reached Southern California.

SEE ALSO: 'Hurriquake,' Record Rain, Mudslides, And Floods: Hilary Slams CA

The city of Palm Springs issued a local emergency declaration Sunday afternoon as downpours from the storm inundated roadways and led to wide-scale closures. The city of Indio followed suit late Sunday night, saying the storm had "threatened local infrastructure and public health and safety.'' Desert Hot Springs followed suit Monday.

Several Coachella Valley cities, including Palm Springs, recorded 3 inches of rain Sunday. The storm knocked out 911 services in some areas.

Farther away, a massive boulder-filled mudslide in the Forest Falls area of the San Bernardino Mountains sent firefighters running for safety and blocked the roadway from their fire station. Their dramatic escape was captured on video.