Severe weather brought heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong winds to Southern California’s Inland Empire, prompting emergency cleanup efforts and causing flood damage in parts of San Bernardino County.
The unsettled weather continued overnight and into Thursday, with scattered showers expected to return during the evening before conditions begin to dry out overnight. Forecasters also anticipated a cold start to Friday.
The storm brought significant rainfall to mountain communities. Crestline recorded 4.66 inches of rain over a 36-hour period, according to CBS Los Angeles meteorologist Marina Jurica.
“We have been dealing with a lot of weather today, unusual weather,” Jurica said.
Residents Respond to Flood Damage
In San Bernardino, resident Steven Maldonado spent Thursday afternoon filling sandbags to help tenants whose property had been damaged by floodwater.
“They lost a lot of things from the water, and so, we have to be quick,” Maldonado said as he loaded sandbags into his truck.
The flooding created an urgent need for residents to protect their properties as rain continued to affect the region. Sandbags can help redirect water away from vulnerable areas, although they may not prevent all flood damage.
San Bernardino County Crews Work to Clear Roads
San Bernardino County Public Works crews worked overtime to clear roads affected by the severe weather across both valley and mountain communities.
County staff also worked overnight alongside contractors to respond to flooding concerns and address problems caused by the storm.
“Last night we actually had flood control staff working through the night with some contractors to make sure we meet the community’s needs,” said Noel Castillo, director of San Bernardino County Public Works.
The response included clearing debris and addressing drainage problems as heavy rainfall affected local infrastructure.
In Crestline, overnight rain caused debris and branches to clog a culvert, resulting in a surge of rushing water. Blocked drainage channels can increase the risk of localized flooding, particularly in mountain communities where runoff may move quickly through narrow roads and drainage areas.
Mountain Communities Face Rain and Snow Challenges
The combination of rain, possible snow-related conditions, and runoff created additional challenges for residents in the mountain areas of San Bernardino County.
Despite the difficult conditions, some residents welcomed the rainfall.
“It is crazy, but you know we love it; we need the rain,” said Crestline resident Lourdes Fregoso. “It’s very challenging in the mountains because of the snow and the rain, but it’s nice.”
Her comments reflected the mixed impact of the storm: the rainfall brought much-needed water, but it also created practical challenges for residents dealing with flooding and difficult mountain weather.
Drier Conditions Expected Overnight
Scattered showers were expected Thursday evening, followed by drier conditions overnight. Friday morning was forecast to be cold, offering a potential break from the unsettled weather.
Residents in areas affected by flooding should continue to use caution around standing water, drainage channels, and roads with debris. Anyone traveling through mountain communities should also check current road and weather conditions before leaving.
The storm highlighted the challenges that heavy rainfall can create across the Inland Empire, particularly in mountain communities where drainage issues and fast-moving runoff can affect roads and nearby properties.
