A and of thunderstorms and heavy rains in eastern San Bernardino County led to powerful flash flooding Monday evening that washed vehicles off the roadway.
The storm system extended into western Arizona and southern Nevada, including northern Las Vegas, flooding roadways as forecasters predicted gusty winds and hail.
The flooding in California was reported about 7:40 p.m. on Highway 95 near Interstate 40 in Needles, near the state’s border with Nevada and Arizona, according to the National Weather Service. Flooding was also expected in Topock, Ariz., just southeast of Needles.
The “swiftly flowing water” pushed an unknown number of vehicles off the road in Needles, the weather service said. It’s unclear if any motorists were injured or stranded in their vehicles.
A flash flood warning had been issued earlier Monday and was extended until 11:45 p.m.
Gusty winds topped 65 mph at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. In New Kingman-Butler, Ariz., a flash flood was recorded by a trained spotter with the National Weather Service, according to public records.
The extent of damage, if any, was unknown.
Motorists were advised to turn around if they encounter flooded roads.
