Desert residents brace for El Nio powered storms

The first drops of El Nio powered rain are on their way to the desert and some residents are preparing for the worst.

Francisco Machiche has lived in the Coachella Valley for more than 30 years and he knows just how much damage a little rain can do. He was filling sandbags at the Coachella Corporate Yard.

“There’s a whole bunch of apartment complexes where I live, and they do get flooded from time to time, my house hasn’t gotten that bad, but nevertheless I’m concerned about it with these predictions,” said Machiche.

The City of Coachella is giving away 25 sandbags per property for anyone who wants them. People can pick them up at the Coachella Corporate Yard but residents will need to prove they live in the city before getting bags.

“One of the things that every city does is to protect property, so this is one of the avenues to aid each other in order to accomplish that,” said Maritza Martinez, Public Works Director for the City of Coachella.

If you live in a city other than Coachella, you can go to any local fire station for sandbags, but not all stations have sand to fill the bags.

“Some of our stations do have sand readily available, but not all of them, so we do ask that if you are looking for sand call the fire station and ask if they have sand available,” said Mark Oakley, Battalion Chief with the Riverside County Fire Department.

You should also make sure you drainage is clear outside your home.

With the likely potential of flooded roads fire and rescue officials also want to make sure everyone is safe while driving during this potential deluge.

“With water you have no idea how deep it is, or how fast it’s moving, it can move a 4000 pound car and imagine what it would do to someone who got out of their car,” said Oakley.

Stay with KESQ for the latest weather conditions.

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