Mudslide Traps Drivers, Roads Reopen After Heavy Rain

A powerful stormed barreled through the Coachella Valley Tuesday causing traffic delays, accidents and damage to homes and businesses.

The wash on Cathedral Canyon Road flooded at around 7:30 p.m., according to the Cathedral City Police Department.

Public Works was called to the scene to setup warning signs.

Authorities shut the area down at around 8:15 p.m. — one of many road closures caused by the storm.

The roadway reopened Wednesday morning.

Dark and menacing clouds blanketed the desert sky.

Thunder and lightning were seen and heard from all ends of the valley.

The storm caused treacherous road conditions. In some cases, it left cars drowning in water and mud.

A mudslide on Varner Road between Desert Hot Springs and Thousand Palms trapped two cars.

“I think the whole mountain came down here,” said Ravi Singh, whose wife called him after 3 p.m. to help dig her and the kids out of the mess.

Heavy rain caused mud to slide down Edom Hill onto the street.

“She’s embarrassed it was her fault,” said Singh. “But it’s not her fault. It’s just a mother nature thing.”

A four-wheel drive tow truck was called to pull her out.

Major roads in the area were shutdown which backed traffic up for miles. They are now reopened.

In the high desert, at least a quarter-inch of rain fell beginning early in the morning.

“I love it. I love it,” said Vicki White, a Yucca Valley resident. “We’ve waited too long for this.”

However, Jesse Alkas, 5, was shocked by the power of the storm.

“I was feeling bad,” he said. “I had to cover my ears.”

The wet scene in Yucca Valley was a breath of fresh air for some.

“It just poured off our roof after all that,” said Pam Hagedorn, a Yucca Valley resident. “But we had a blast.”

Others had trouble navigating through the knee-high puddles in Thousand Palms.

Palm Desert was left drenched and so was Palm Springs.

“It’s rain,” said Sharpe. “Take your time and live.”

Authorities said Varner Road will remain closed until 12 p.m. On Wednesday.

Stay tuned to the desert’s news leader for the latest live weather updates.