Urgent Travel Alert: I-15 Corridor to California Braces for Severe Flood Risk and Heavy Rain

For those planning a road trip from Las Vegas into Southern California today and through Monday morning, be forewarned: the journey along the I-15 corridor is expected to be anything but smooth. A significant weather event is poised to bring heavy rainfall, creating a serious risk of flash flooding and treacherous driving conditions across key stretches of the desert highway.

The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in both Las Vegas and San Diego have issued stern warnings, highlighting a Flood Watch that encompasses the vast Mojave Desert region, extending south through critical passes like the Cajon Pass.

This isn't just a typical desert drizzle; meteorologists are predicting substantial rainfall totals, with many areas expected to receive between one to two inches, and isolated spots potentially seeing up to three inches of rain. Such amounts can quickly overwhelm desert landscapes, leading to rapid water accumulation and dangerous flows.

Drivers must prepare for more than just wet roads.

The primary hazards include standing water, which can lead to hydroplaning even at moderate speeds, and swift-moving flash floodwaters capable of carrying away vehicles and debris. Reduced visibility due to heavy downpours will also be a significant factor, making travel inherently more perilous. Officials are also concerned about debris flows, particularly in areas near recent wildfires or in mountainous terrain, where saturated soils can give way.

The NWS Las Vegas office specifically cautioned that "scattered thunderstorms will produce locally heavy rainfall," noting that these storms could form over the Mojave National Preserve, an area directly impacted by I-15.

Similarly, NWS San Diego emphasized the risk for the southern portions of the I-15 corridor, particularly around the Cajon Pass, a vital artery for traffic heading into and out of the Los Angeles basin.

Authorities are urging extreme caution. The golden rule of "Turn Around, Don't Drown" applies more than ever – never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Even shallow-looking water can conceal significant depths or strong currents. Before embarking on your journey, it is highly advisable to check the latest road conditions through resources like Caltrans Quickmap or Nevada Highway Patrol advisories. Allowing ample extra time for travel and being prepared for potential detours or even lengthy delays should be part of your plan.

This localized storm activity is part of a larger atmospheric river system impacting California, bringing widespread precipitation and challenging weather conditions across the state.

While I-15 travelers will experience a specific slice of this intense weather, the broader context underscores the severity. Postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve might be the safest option. If travel is unavoidable, prioritize safety above all else, drive defensively, and stay informed of rapidly evolving weather and road alerts.