Highway 86 near Elmore desert Ranch Shut Down After Mass Flooding and Multiple Rescues

CALTRANS has reported that State Route 86 remains closed from 7.9 miles north of Westmorland to the north junction of State Route 78 due to severe flooding. Motorists are being advised to use alternate routes.

vehicles and trucks could be seen parked on the side of the road as well as at a Love’s Truck Stop in Westmorland off Highway 86,. Travelers are currently stranded at the location, with police and sheriff’s deputies on site assisting. For those without a place to stay, officials are directing people to a local school being set up as a shelter until the road reopens.

CHP dispatch told 760 news that they are “working on rescuing individuals, trapped or stuck in the flood zone”

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) logs, emergency calls began around 4:34 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, reporting vehicles trapped in rising floodwaters near Allen Road. At least one vehicle was reported completely submerged, with occupants forced to break a rear window to escape.

By 4:41 p.m., Brawley Police relayed that fire crews attempting to reach the scene had also become stuck. CHP called for mutual aid from AMR, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and even requested assistance from military units after learning some local agencies were not water-rescue trained.

At 6:40 p.m., CHP confirmed that an elderly couple, a woman, and a juvenile were safely transported to Westmorland. Tow companies were called in to assist multiple big rigs, including one requiring a specialized lowboy trailer.

At 7:15 p.m., southbound lanes of Highway 86 remained closed while crews worked to recover an overturned big rig.

As of 8:05 p.m., CHP confirmed that units were still on scene, and the closure remains in place.

Emergency crews from multiple agencies continue to respond. It remains unclear if there are any reported injuries at this time.

760 News will continue to provide live updates as information develops.