Valley is on Storm Alert: Where you can get sandbags if needed

The city of Coachella was passing out free sand and sandbags to help local residents and business owners prepare for heavy rains and possible flooding expected to hit the region this week.

“We will provide sand and sandbags, but ask that property owners fill the bags themselves,” said Maritza Martine, the city’s public works director.

Up to 25 bags per property can be obtained from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through Thursday, at the city’s corporate yard, 53-462 Enterprise Way.

Strong storms fueled by El Nino conditions are expected to hit Southern California as early as tonight and continue through the week.

For other areas in the Valley, you can also get sandbags at your local Cal Fire stations, that are located throughout the valley.