Local : Storm Leaves in Its Wake Scores of Accidents on County Freeways
The fast-moving Pacific storm that dumped more than half an inch of rain in South County moved out of the region this morning, leaving in its wake scores of traffic accidents along the county’s freeways, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol reported that more than 70 traffic accidents occurred during a 12-hour period that ended at 6 a.m, mostly fender benders caused by motorists unused to the slippery roads.
“Cars were just going too fast and they lost control,” CHP spokeswoman Linda Burrus said. “As soon as the officers were cleared from one accident, they were sent to another scene.”
County Environmental Management Agency officials said the storm produced the first measurable rainfall since June.
Santiago Peak, part of the Santa Ana mountains, was hit hardest, measuring 1.1 inches of rainfall, while San Juan Capistrano and El Toro each recorded .71 inches, EMA spokesman Shailesh Batel said.
Some parts of central and north Orange County had far less rainfall, he said. Santa Ana had .16 inches, Anaheim and Fullerton both had .28, Brea had .24 and Cypress had only a trace of rainfall at .08 inches.
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