STORM PHOTOS: Mud, Rocks Block San Timoteo Canyon South of Redlands

A severe thunderstorm that was tracking for Redlands veered south Thursday and unleashed mud and rocks in San Timoteo Canyon, trapping a motorist who tried to cross the surge, and flooded State Route 60 at Redlands Boulevard.

Heavy rains triggered the debris flows from the hills south of San Timoteo Canyon Road, and the mud and rocks poured into the low spot where San Timoteo meets Live Oak Canyon Road, an area that floods regularly.

That didn't stop the driver of a van who attempted to cross flowing water and mud on San Timoteo Canyon Road, and the flow pushed the vehicle off the road into the shoulder ditch on the north side of the road next to Union Pacific railroad tracks.

The driver got out of the van on his own and waited for AAA, then departed, California Highway Patrol Sgt. David Valle said at the scene.

San Timoteo Canyon Road was covered with mud and rocks 2 to 3 feet deep at the intersection with Live Oak Canyon Road, and it was expected to be several hours before workers, including a Caterpillar driver, had the road cleared and re-opened, Valle said.

Heavy rains further south on the other side of the Badlands resulted in flash flooding on State Route 60 at Redlands Boulevard, and motorists eastbound and westbound slowed to a crawl to get through flowing water that rose above some vehicles' tires.

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