Crashes on NB 101 Freeway cause traffic delays in San Fernando Valley

Drivers were urged to avoid the northbound 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley Wednesday morning after multiple crashes snarled traffic for the morning commute.

A crash involving a big rig was reported around 5:20 a.m. between Parkway Calabasas and Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas. An explosion was reported, and one person was treated at the scene, officials said.

The California Highway Patrol closed all northbound lanes near the scene of the crash. All but one lane was reopened by 9:30 a.m.

Officials said to expect delays in the area of up to 30 minutes.

A second crash was also reported just before 6:30 a.m. on the 101 Freeway near De Soto Avenue. The crash temporarily had lanes blocked, but all lanes have since reopened.

Traffic, however, remained congested through Reseda Boulevard.

A storm moving across the area Wednesday doused Southern California, causing slick roadways and bringing fears of flash flooding for several areas hit by wildfires in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.