Cars Stranded in Flooded Wilmington Street
Several vehicles and a semi-truck became immobilized by floodwater near the Vincent Thomas Bridge early Friday after a storm moved through the region.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Several cars became stuck along a flooded street near the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Wilmington early Friday morning, reported just before 5 a.m. on Alameda Street near Harry Bridges Boulevard. Some drivers were still inside the vehicles as first responders staged on a nearby street.
Why it matters
The flooding left at least three cars and a semi-truck stranded in deep water in a busy part of Los Angeles, where traffic is already being rerouted due to the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure. The incident highlights how quickly storm runoff can overwhelm local streets and trap drivers.
At least three cars and a semi-truck were immobilized by floodwater that nearly covered one vehicle's wheels, with the incident reported just before 5 a.m. on Alameda Street. It is not yet known whether any drivers were injured or how many people required rescue.
The players
Vincent Thomas Bridge
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting San Pedro and Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles, and its closure is rerouting traffic onto Harry Bridges Boulevard.
Harry Bridges Boulevard
Harry Bridges Boulevard is a major roadway in the Port of Los Angeles area that serves as the alternate route while the Vincent Thomas Bridge is closed.
The details
Floodwater from a storm that moved through the region Friday morning pooled deeply enough on Alameda Street to trap vehicles near Harry Bridges Boulevard. Some drivers remained inside the stuck cars while first responders were staged on a nearby street.
Timeline
Friday morning, November 13, 2026: storm moves through the Los Angeles region.
Just before 5 a.m. Friday: incident reported along Alameda Street near Harry Bridges Boulevard.
Seasonal Patterns
Flooding on Los Angeles surface streets during winter storms has repeatedly tested low-lying corridors near the port, and this incident follows that recurring pattern of storm runoff overwhelming local drainage. Because the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure is already pushing extra vehicles onto nearby roads, the flooding adds risk to a route that is carrying more traffic than usual.
Drivers in the Wilmington area should avoid flooded streets and allow extra time while the Vincent Thomas Bridge remains closed and traffic is rerouted onto Harry Bridges Boulevard. Never attempt to drive through floodwater, since even a few inches can move a vehicle and deep water can trap occupants.
The takeaway
Storm flooding can turn an ordinary commute into an emergency in minutes, especially on streets already handling detour traffic. Checking conditions before leaving and choosing alternate routes when water is pooling can help keep drivers out of harm's way.
Further reading
For more on how responders handle incidents like this, see Emergency Response coverage across Los Angeles.
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