Updated: Heavy Rains Force Partial Closure of Ortega Highway

Updated 5:10 p.m. Monday, March 21

While crews continue their emergency repair work to rebuild embankments that corroded in Sunday's storm, the westbound lane of Ortega Highway will be open for commuter traffic from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Nichols Institute Road to the Riverside County line.

The eastbound lane will be closed to traffic from Nichols Institute Road while the westbound lane opens. 

The eastbound lane will re-open at 2:30 p.m. at Nichols Institute Road, while westbound traffic will be closed again at Riverside County line at 2 p.m. 

During non-rush hours, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., crews will use flags to direct traffic.

Eastbound and westbound lanes will be opened to traffic from the 5 freeway to Nichols Institute Road at all times.

This pattern of road opening and closures will continue daily until further notice.

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9 p.m. Sunday, March 20

Inclement weather has forced the partial closure of Ortega Highway, with emergency repair crews working overnight. CalTrans expects to reopen portions of the highway in time for commuter traffic Monday morning.

With .27 inches of rain falling between 2:30 and 8:30 p.m. in Irvine, and wind gusting up to 50 mph, the National Weather Service has issued advisories warning residents of the possibility for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.

At about 8 p.m. in San Juan Capistrano, a tree fall onto Ortega Highway at La Pata Avenue, blocking traffic for about 30 minutes. At about 8:45 p.m., on the 5 freeway, just north of the El Camino Real exit, a gaurdrail fell into the slow lane.

Westbound Ortega Highway from the Riverside County line to  will be closed until 4:30 a.m. Monday. Westbound lane will then re-open for commuter traffic, while the eastbound lane will be closed to traffic at Nichols Institute Road at 4 a.m.

The eastbound lane will re-open at 2:30 p.m. at Nicohols Institute Road, while westbound traffic will be closed again at Riverside County at about 2 p.m. until further notice.

The Weather Service has also issued flash flood watches in northern San Diego and Orange counties. Flooding is expected in Sunset and Seal Beaches.