Driver rescued from wash in Cathedral City also arrested for DUI

Firefighters rescued two motorists who got stuck in fast-moving flood waters along the White Water Wash early Tuesday morning. One rescue in Coachella; the other in Cathedral City.

Rain and flooding closes several roads throughout Coachella Valley

Cathedral City firefighters rescued a man who was stuck in fast-moving flood waters at the White Water Wash early Tuesday morning. The man was later arrested for driving under the influence, according to the Cathedral City Police Department. His identity hasn’t been released and we’re waiting for more details regarding his arrest.

Firefighters were also on the scene of a vehicle stuck in high water at a wash near Avenue 50 and Highway 86 in Coachella.

Watch: Fire crews rescue man from flooded wash at Cathedral Canyon Drive

Authorities said the vehicle was in approximately two to three feet of moving water with one person on the hood.

A swift water rescue team responded to the crossing at 5:01 a.m.

The Riverside County Sheriffs Department closed the roadway at the intersection of Avenue 50 and Tyler Street.

The Riverside County Fire Department said a swift water rescue team entered the water and rescued a woman from the vehicle within minutes.

The woman was not injured, but her car was left in the water too dangerous to pull out.

In Cathedral City, firefighters were called to the flood-swollen wash crossing at Cathedral Canyon Drive after the motorist got stuck while trying to drive through the wash at 2:38 a.m.

He only suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital to be checked out.

Cathedral City Police said they got the call for help after two vehicles came from the south end of Cathedral Canyon through the wash and drove past barricades that were set up to keep traffic out of the water.

One vehicle managed to make it through, but the other motorist got stuck with water rushing around the vehicle.

Witnesses say the motorist was hanging on to his vehicle when they found him.

Firefighters were able to use a ladder from a truck to reach the man and bring him to safety.

Police said this was a perfect example of why it’s not a good idea to try to drive through flood waters.

Heed the mantra, “Turn around, don’t drown.”

No word on any citation against the motorist.