Cathedral City Public Works crews worked through the night responding to standing water and debris on city roadways as the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the Coachella Valley. The storm moved north through Southern California faster than expected, and the strongest winds and most widespread rainfall are now behind us, according to the National Weather Service.
Most of the Coachella Valley received more than an inch of rain from the storm, with weather stations in Indio and Palm Desert reporting well over two inches.
Overnight Response
Public Works crews were dispatched shortly before midnight and monitored drainage and roadway conditions throughout the city, placing barricades and traffic control where needed. Overnight, crews responded to standing water at several locations, including:
- Vista Chino at the wash, closed in coordination with the City of Palm Springs
- Dinah Shore Drive westbound from Date Palm Drive to Cathedral Canyon Drive, closed
- Ramon Road between Avenida Juarez and Ximino Avenue
- Ramon Road at Date Palm Drive
- Vista Chino at Horizon Road
- Vista Chino from Desert Princess Drive to Landau Boulevard
- Landau Boulevard from Vista Chino to Ramon Road
On Sunday morning, Varner Road was temporarily closed from Edom Hill Road to Mountain View Road, in the area commonly known as Willow Hole, while crews cleared mud from the roadway.
As of Sunday morning, the mud has been cleared and Varner Road has reopened. Vista Chino at Horizon Road is also clear. Crews will continue to monitor conditions throughout the city.
What’s Next
Although the heaviest rain has passed, a few light, scattered showers remain possible. Because the ground is saturated, a Flood Watch remains in effect for the Coachella Valley through this evening. A Wind Advisory also remains in effect through early Monday morning.
Temperatures will stay well below normal, in the upper 70s today and cooler than normal on Monday and Tuesday, before warming into the 80s on Wednesday. Sunshine returns to the Valley beginning Tuesday.
Stay Safe
- Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Use caution in areas where mud or debris may remain on the roadway.
- Free sandbags remain available at Fire Station 2, 32100 Desert Vista Rd., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thank you to our Public Works crews for working through the night to keep Cathedral City’s roads safe.
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