IID advises preparing ahead of storm throughout Coachella Valley

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) - With a storm expected to roll through the Coachella Valley this week, Imperial Irrigation District officials today said they will be prepared to respond for any possible service disruptions.

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Forecasters predict heavy rainfall with gusty winds will fall into the region starting Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.   

A flood watch will be in effect from 4 a.m. through 10 p.m. Saturday including in the cities of Cathedral City, La Quinta, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

In the Coachella Valley, temperature highs will be in the 80s Thursday with a nighttime lows in the upper 60s. For the rest of the week, daytime highs will be in the upper 60s and nighttime lows in the upper 50s. The strongest possible change for heavy rainfall will be Saturday, with precipitation at 80% between a quarter- and half-inch predicted, NWS said.   

IID officials said crews will respond to any power outages or disruptions if conditions will be safe enough to work.   

"Customers can rest assured that IID is ahead of this, working to minimize impacts and service interruptions that could occur due to this expected storm,'' IID Power Manager Matt Smelser said.

Officials advise residents the following tips to be prepared ahead of
the storm:
   -- Keep an emergency kit ready filled with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, medicine, a battery-operated radio and wind-up clock;
   -- Charge essential devices, including phones and tablets;
   -- Be familiar with service panel and main circuit breaker;
   -- Trim trees and clear debris away from power lines, and
   -- Avoid using electrical equipment when outside.

Customers can report power outages through IID's mobile app, contacting customer service at 800-303-7756, or at www.iid.com/outage.