Festival traffic anticipated ahead of weekend one of Coachella

Festival-goers will start to arrive today for weekend one of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. On-site camping is set to open Thursday morning but blowing winds could slow down their arrival.

There is a high wind warning that’s in effect through the afternoon here in the Coachella Valley.

For anyone who is driving or driving by a high profile vehicle like an RV, slow down on the roads to avoid any rollover crashes. Blowing sand will also reduce visibility. That’s all on top of the extra traffic expected with festival-goers arriving into town.

Indio police says managing that traffic flow can have its challenges.

“The major headache for us is the traffic flow. So we can put all of the best plans in place but with the Waze App and stuff that real-time re-routes people, we will get a sudden surge of cars that we were never expecting.”

Roads will be congested and there will be some closures as well, including:

— 49th Avenue between Hjorth Street and Monroe Street.

— 50th Avenue between Madison Street and Jackson Street.

— Hjorth street between 49th Avenue and 50th Avenue.

— Madison street between 49th Avenue and 52nd Avenue.