El Nio storm could cause a wet weekend
From first responders to artists people are getting ready for a possible round of strong winds and El Nio rain this weekend.
Artists are setting up for the 30th annual Southwest Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. On top of their normal set up to sell their works of art, they’re also going to have to be ready for the chance of rain, especially on Sunday.
“The rain isn’t going to hurt the pottery but the display stands that I use are card board boxes and so I always have to put plastic on them and keep them away from the edge of the tent,” said Barbara Sebastian a ceramic artist setting up for the event.
“You know all we can do is prepare and I’m trying to make this tent as sturdy as possible and just bring some tarps in case of rain. Weather is just something that you have to deal with,” said John Ha who travels the country selling Japanese Pop Art.
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The Southwest Arts Festival is the kickoff event for many of these vendors who will spend the next several weekends traveling to different art events. They usually look forward to spectacular weather here.
“We know for sure Friday is going to be a great day, we are hoping for Saturday to be a good day, on Sunday if you come out earlier it’s probably better based on what we are seeing this weekend,” said Joshua Bonner, President and CEO of the Indio Chamber of Commerce.
First responders want people to be safe on the roads this weekend which includes being ready for strong winds in front of the storm.
“With any high profile vehicles, you always want to know the warnings that are going to be out for your vehicle, with winds that could blow them over. Drive a little bit slower, some people think that if you drive faster that it’ll cut through the wind better, but in fact it does not,” said Captain Lucas Spelman with CAL FIRE.
Sand bags are available at all Riverside County Fire Stations. Residents can get 25 free bags per home.
