Multiple SigAlerts: Winds Wreak Havoc On Inland Empire Freeways

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Three SigAlerts were in place early Thursday afternoon on Inland Empire freeways due to big-rig mishaps possibly caused by fierce Santa Ana winds.

As of 12:20 p.m., SigAlerts were in place on northbound Interstate 15 at Interstate 10; eastbound state Route 60 at I-15; and southbound I-15 at the SR-60 interchange.

According to preliminary information from the California Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer jackknifed on the 60 eastbound connector to northbound Interstate 15 in Eastvale, forcing a closure of the transition. The trailer half of the big rig went onto its side about 11 a.m., according to the CHP.

Santa Ana winds were blowing about 20 to 25 mph in the area at the time, possibly causing the driver to lose control, according to reports from the scene.

RELATED: Wind Creating Difficult Driving Conditions In Parts Of RivCo

The trucker was not injured, and no other vehicles were involved.

CHP officers completely closed the transition about 11:15 a.m. A SigAlert was issued due to the closure and ensuing traffic jam.

It was the second semi to overturn at the freeway interchange within an hour. A Costco tractor-trailer went onto its side at about 10:30 a.m. on the southbound I-15 transition to the eastbound to the 60 freeway, according to the CHP.

The agency said that the driver may have lost control of the rig amid high Santa Ana winds. The National Weather Service said speeds were averaging 20 to 25 mph in the immediate vicinity.

No other vehicles were involved.

The trucker self-extricated himself and complained of pain to one of his shoulders and elbows.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location a short time later and rendered treatment. It was unclear whether the man required hospitalization.

CHP officers shut down the transition before 11 a.m., requiring traffic to use surface streets to access the eastbound 60.

A SigAlert was issued at 10:55 a.m. due to the closure and ensuing traffic jam.

It was unclear how long the closure might be in effect.

At approximately 11:15 a.m., the northbound I-15 offramp to Devore Road in San Bernardino County was closed due to an overturned big rig, according to the CHP. Information about the wreck was not immediately available.

—City News Service contributed to this report.