Drivers across parts of San Diego County faced stop-and-go traffic Thursday afternoon due to several crashes, including one involving a semi-truck.

According to the SigAlert map, as of 3:15 p.m. multiple roadways in the county were experiencing congestion.

Around 2:45 p.m., a crash involving a semi-truck occurred near National City. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that an Amazon delivery truck collided with a tree and was left hanging off the northbound Interstate 805 off-ramp leading to eastbound State Route 54.
National City Fire Department Battalion Chief James Stiles said the truck may have hydroplaned on the wet roadway and veered off course.

“Fortunately, it wasn’t really a rescue. We were able to get the driver out without much difficulty, but the driver was transported to UCSD as a ‘major trauma,’” Stiles said.

The fire official urged motorists to exercise extra caution during rain events.

“This is the perfect example of where these accidents happen on-ramps and off-ramps,” he noted. “You have to slow down before you get to the ramp, not hit the brakes while sliding, because by then it’s already too late.”

Authorities and specialized crews remain at the scene.