Murrieta Street Closures Planned Due To Possible Flooding

MURRIETA, CA — The city of Murrieta announced it is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and mitigate potential flooding amid a severe winter storm that is expected to bring heavy rain over the Christmas holiday.

Due to predicted rainfall amounts and the likelihood of Murrieta Creek rising, the city said residents should plan for the following street closures:

• Kalmia Street (from 2nd Street to Hayes Avenue)
• Briggs Road (from Los Alamos Road to Porth Road)

The National Weather Service predicts that the heaviest rain will fall late Tuesday night through Christmas Eve, though the wet weather is forecast to last through at least Friday.

Street crews serving with the Murrieta Municipal Services Department are currently operating at full capacity, the city said. "Caution" and "Flooded" signs are being staged in areas historically susceptible to flooding, including Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Kalmia Street, and locations along Murrieta Creek.

Additionally, crews are inspecting storm drains, inlets, and channels to remove debris and maximize water flow, and they are patching potholes and securing road surfaces ahead of heavy-rain saturation.

To assist residents in protecting their property, sand and sandbags have been staged at the following locations (residents needing sandbags are encouraged to bring their own shovels):

• Fire Station 1: 41825 Juniper Street
• Fire Station 2: 40060 California Oaks Road
• Municipal Services Department Yard: Located at Fig Street and Jefferson Avenue

Authorities across Riverside County are urging residents and motorists to be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding beginning Tuesday night and lasting through the Christmas holiday week. Read more: Riverside County Under Flood Watch, Wind Advisory, With Heavy Rains Forecast