Flooded Wishon Avenue Underpass Closed After Storm Creates Hazard

The Wishon Avenue underpass south of Shields Avenue was closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, after a heavy storm produced pooling water and scattered debris that rendered the roadway hazardous to motorists. The city posted the closure and advised drivers to use alternate routes while the storm persisted and while public works crews worked to remove water and debris.

Emergency responders and motorists described vehicles becoming stuck in pooled water as the storm intensified, creating a dangerous situation for drivers and first responders. Officials also warned that poor lighting and limited visibility in the underpass complicated rescue efforts and increased the risk of collisions. Crews prioritized clearing the deepest accumulations and removing branches and other debris that had washed into the roadway.

The closure arrived during evening commuting hours, and residents experienced longer travel times on surface streets as traffic was redirected. City public works personnel coordinated with traffic control teams to manage detours and to ensure that emergency vehicle access was maintained. The closure remained in place until crews could verify that standing water had been removed and that the underpass was safe for normal traffic.

Local businesses and commuters noted immediate impacts. Deliveries faced delays and some employees reported longer commutes as city traffic flowed onto alternate corridors. The event underscored seasonal vulnerabilities in low lying parts of the road network, where older drainage infrastructure can be overwhelmed by intense rainfall. Officials said the storm event would be factored into ongoing maintenance and planning for drainage improvements.

Residents were urged to plan for travel disruptions when heavy rain is forecast, and to avoid attempting to drive through standing water. The city encouraged motorists to follow posted detours and to monitor official channels for reopening notices and safety updates. As crews continued cleanup operations through the following days, the closure served as a reminder of the need for caution during winter storms and of the importance of resilient local infrastructure.