GILROY, Calif. (KRON) — Both directions of US-101 have fully reopened in Gilroy, according to a tweet by Caltrans. The highway was closed in both directions for several hours due to flood waters covering all lanes.
The National Weather Service wrote at 2:38 p.m., “Highway 101 has turned into a moving river. Do not drive into these flood waters, putting yourself and everyone around you at risk.”
CHP officers wrote, “If (you are) traveling through the area of Gilroy, please be advised of flooding on US-101 northbound/southbound, just south of Monterey Road. A full closure of the freeway is in place at this location. Please avoid the area.”
Despite stern warnings from law enforcement, motorists were still attempting to drive around the closure as of 2:45 p.m. Witnesses told dispatchers that “numerous” vehicles tried to bypass the closure and drive onto Highway 101 through flood waters.
Santa Clara County issued evacuation warnings to residents who live along Highway 101 and Bolsa Road.
The county’s Emergency Operations Center wrote, “The prolonged stretch of winter storms has brought heavy rain and high winds to the region. These unusual rain levels have created impacts that include soils near or at their saturation point; creeks, streams, and rivers reaching or exceeding flood stage; and low-lying areas experiencing flooding, including road crossings. There is also an increased risk of rocks and sediments dislodging from the hillsides. Driving will be challenging.”
AREAS UNDER EVACUATION WARNING INCLUDE:
- South of Hwy 152, East of Hwy 101.
- South of Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152) and East of Hwy 101.
- South of Luchessa Ave. and East of Thomas Rd.
- East of Santa Teresa Blvd. to Castro Valley Rd.
- North of Castro Valley Rd. to Luchessa Ave.
- North of Hwy 25 between Hwy 101 & Bloomfield Rd.
- West of Bloomfield Ave. between Hwy 25 & Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
- East of Hwy 101 to Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
