The huge storm that dropped massive amounts of rain in the Coachella Valley and Southern California and did a number on the local roads.
Crews continue to work on clearing and repairing roadways – which, based on some of the photos shares by Caltrans Saturday morning, might be a while:
More photos:
Caltrans crews working to clear debris on SR 111 to Palm Springs. $3.5 million emergency contract in place. #Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/WZUGYk0O0e
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 16, 2019
The agency did tweet that a $3.5 million emergency contract is in place to clear out Highway 111 north of Palm Springs.
More photos of wash out on SR 111 to Palm Springs south of I-10 #Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/6cpD43tBPX
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 16, 2019
And that is not the only roadway with issues, there is huge damage on Highways 74 and 243 in the local mountains:
More photos:
More pics of Caltrans inspecting damage on SRs 74 and 243 #Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/CadvMtLg6U
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 16, 2019
The major damage to Highway 243 between Banning and Idyllwild and Highway 74 will be closed for four to six weeks, according to officials. The cost of the repairs are estimated to be about $8 million.
Caltrans Geotechnical Engineers and Maintenance Engineering inspecting damage on SRs 74 and 243 yesterday. They will be back up today. #Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/SvT3yWbxAt
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 16, 2019
Video today of the aftermath of yesterday's flooding on Highway 243. You can see that the drain pipe is still mostly in place, the rest is in the void. Too much water, too fast. Thanks to Caltrans Area Superintendent John Hubbs for the footage. pic.twitter.com/wmPm0SMQ26
— Dave Wood (@DonnnerDaave) February 16, 2019
For those thinking about heading up to Big Bear, Highway 38 is closed from Hatchery Drive to Valley of the Falls. Also, Highway 18 from Boulder Bay to Snow Valley is closed due to mud, rockslides and portions of the roadway washing away.
More photos:
Photos taken by #abc7eyewitness on SR 18 between Green Valley Lake and Snow Valley Resort #Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/qCAmZjuwqU
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 16, 2019
And while crews work to repair the roads, more rain could be on the way, according to the forecast.
You can check the status of Southern California roads and highways here.
