Rain triggers accidents on Southern California freeways

Car wrecks and overturned big rigs clogged Southern California freeways Wednesday morning as steady rainfall had pounded the region overnight and residents prepared for more wet weather.

A big rig overturned on southbound Interstate 5 near the Newhall Pass on Wednesday morning, blocking several lanes at the beginning of the morning commute.

Showers are expected to continue throughout the day with rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches possible by Wednesday evening for parts of western Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service.

Some of the accidents that occurred included the overturning of two big rigs. A tractor trailer jackknifed at about 2:15 a.m. on the westbound 105 Freeway transition to the 710 Freeway, and another overturned at about 3:30 a.m. in Claremont, blocking three eastbound lanes and the westbound carpool lane of the 10 Freeway.

There were two other accidents involving big rigs on the 5 Freeway early Wednesday, including one on the northbound 5 south of Vista de Lago Road and another on the northbound 5 north of the Templin Highway.

“It’s a bad morning for the 5 Freeway,” California Highway Patrol Officer Francisco Villalobos said.

-- Kate Linthicum

Photo: Traffic crawls on a rain-slick 210 Freeway in Pasadena. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Joe]

The problem isn't the rain. The problem is rude and stupid drivers!

[unemployable]

That's Southern California. A few sprinkles and vehicles start piling up verywhere. Did you know tailgating is an infractive offense and causes 99% of all accidents including fatal ones?

[scott]

Cali drivers cannot drive on anything but dry roads and then the jury is still out!
get a clue Socal !!
Although I'd love to see ya commute into Denver in Feb ..