BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 remain closed at Fort Cady Road following multiple crashes caused by extreme weather conditions and low visibility, including one involving a trapped driver.
The closure, announced at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, is due to what officials described as “brown-out conditions” and high winds, which led to several traffic collisions.
According to the California Highway Patrol Barstow, traffic is being diverted to National Trails Highway, and the estimated cleanup time is five to six hours. Westbound lanes remain open, but motorists are urged to use caution in the area.
Among the incidents is a significant crash reported at approximately 8:33 a.m. near the I-40 eastbound Fort Cady off-ramp, where a silver pickup truck towing a car trailer rear-ended a semi-truck. According to incident logs, the male driver of the pickup was trapped and required extrication. Emergency personnel, including CAL FIRE, responded to the scene.
Another collision involved a green semi-truck that was reportedly knocked over by high winds, blocking lanes in the area. Additional vehicles, including multiple semi-trucks, were involved in the pileup, with debris and damaged cargo, including a strawberry load, needing temperature-sensitive handling.
At 9:27 a.m., CHP confirmed that eastbound I-40 was closed at Newberry Springs and CMS signs were activated to alert drivers of the severe weather. High-profile vehicles are advised to avoid the route due to dangerous wind gusts.
Authorities have arranged multiple tow operations for big rigs and passenger vehicles, with traffic management and cleanup crews working through the day.
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