Rainstorm flooding strands multiple drivers in Commerce and El Monte
Heavy rain on Monday led to flooded streets and multiple vehicle rescues in Commerce and El Monte, where several drivers were stranded as water quickly rose across roadways.
Caltrans crews worked to clear clogged drains along Garfield Avenue in Commerce after at least five vehicles became stuck in high water. Debris marked where floodwaters had pooled earlier in the day.
Sandra Shpegel of Montebello said she normally avoids driving her Dodge Charger in the rain, but needed to get gas. When she attempted to drive through a flooded street in the City of Commerce, water rushed into her car.
"The tow truck driver thinks my car is going to be totaled because of the water damage," Shpegel said.
She said she had to be pulled out through the driver's side window. While stuck, she said a semi-truck sideswiped her vehicle. Shpegel urged other drivers not to risk driving through standing water.
"Don't try to drive through anything flooded, because other people were getting stuck after all of us were stuck. And my daughter just got stuck, too, and she had to get pulled out the window with the ambulance and the fire department, too. So, it's ugly. It's worse than anything we've ever been through," she said.
In El Monte, drivers encountered additional flooded streets as the storm continued. Motorist Joey Rodriguez said the rain created hazards throughout the area.
"There's like, puddles everywhere. So like, pulling up here, I was just splashing water everywhere. Being really cautious, driving really slow, stuff like that," Rodriguez said.
Another driver, Sabrina Martinez, said commuters were facing delays.
"It's crazy. It's bumper-to-bumper traffic. You definitely have to plan to go to work a little earlier. But you just have to plan ahead of time," she said.
While rainfall eased by Monday evening in Commerce, cones remained in place, blocking through traffic in both directions on Garfield Avenue as crews continued to work to keep drains clear.
