INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – The Inland Empire is getting a 2-day break between storms to keep streets and highways open and the last of stranded San Bernardino mountain residents contacted and respond to their immediate needs.

Rain falling on melting snow has not brought feared consequences---yet.

Caltrans is shifting from snow plowing to assorted debris removal. Water and mud was making the intersection of Highways 138 and 173 near Lake Silverwood difficult to negotiate Saturday. Caltrans announced Saturday evening that all routes in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains are open. SR-18 will remain closed in two locations: The Narrows and Arctic Circle because of falling rocks.

Mountain schools are gradually reopening for the first time in several days.

In Riverside County, water flowing toward Mystic Lake along the San Jacinto River resulted in a swift water rescue Saturday. CalFire managed extricated one person Saturday from a vehicle bogged down in 2-foot deep water flowing across Bridge Street near San Jacinto. The street has been closed between the Ramona Expressway and Gilman Springs Road.

Story Date: March 13, 2023