SAN DIEGO — San Diego-Fire Rescue Department responded to dozens of crashes, rescues, and medical emergencies Saturday as a historic winter storm drenched San Diego County with rain.
Vehicles were swept away in rushing waters, and others were left partially or fully submerged as rainfall rapidly turned roads into rivers.
"It’s been crazy, it seems like this winter has been lasting forever, but the truth is we’re still in February," said San Diegan Ryan Huckabone.
A California Highway Patrol car was destroyed in a crash when an "out-of-control driver struck it," CHP El Cajon said in an Instagram post.
Video from OnScene.TV showed several crashes along Interstate 5 in San Diego; one involved a Nissan Altima that hydroplaned around 8 a.m. on northbound Interstate 5 near Old Town. A Tesla that was also northbound near the crash spun out and crashed into the Altima, then slid down an embankment.
At least one person was taken to an area hospital from that crash with unknown injuries.
Some San Diegans say this winter storm is one to remember.
"It's been so dry, and they keep talking about the water levels…hopefully this will help curve that and help eliminate the drought. It's great to see the snow in the mountains and water levels rising in the lakes," said driver Cort Huckabone.
Drivers were urged to slow down or stay home while storm conditions prevailed.
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