Big rig overturns on 5 Freeway near Pyramid Lake amid high winds

PYRAMID LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- A crash involving an overturned semitruck on Thursday morning forced a temporary closure of all southbound lanes on the 5 Freeway near Pyramid Lake as powerful winds buffeted the area.

Shortly before 11 a.m., the California Highway Patrol said the crash prompted a SigAlert that would last for an unknown duration. Lanes reopened later in the afternoon.

Whether anyone was injured was unclear.

Video from AIR7 showed the semitrailer on its side, blocking lanes.

A heavy-duty tow truck was requested at the scene as a lengthy traffic backup began on the south side of the freeway.

"Chances are it will be multiple hours before lanes can be opened," the CHP said in a social media post.

The cause of the crash was unknown. Strong winds were active in the area, and high wind warnings were in effect in the Santa Susana Mountains, Antelope Valley, and the Western San Gabriel Mountains.