News

Safety reminder for driving during a monsoon

Published August 9, 2017 1:14 PM

Monsoonal conditions can range from high winds to blowing dust to torrential rains which can create hazardous driving conditions.

Monsoons can affect travel and have even been known to cause severe damage, the Wash near Vista Chino in Cathedral City is one of three areas known in the city to become flooded during heavy downpours.

Read: Search for missing hikers in Joshua Tree continues amid weather concerns

Summer monsoons can deliver substantial rain in a short amount of time and can often cause roadway flooding

According to CalTrans, roadway flooding can be dangerous or even deadly, four inches of water is enough to wash away a passenger vehicle.

“I’ve heard of people with really low clearance floating a little so they drown,” said local resident Jeff Kaplan.

CalTrans cautions that drivers should never attempt to cross running water. The best bet is to just turn around, don’t drown.

“We’re always on watch when we see that storms have been forecast so we place key staff on standby,” said Marcus Fuller, Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Springs.

Fuller says their trucks are already loaded with ‘flooded street signs,’ ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.

“We know certain intersections that tend to get flooded and so we tend to put the signs out in advance to tell people to be careful,” Fuller said.

A monsoon can cause unpredictable weather events like flash flooding, remember to drive smart and think safe.

Check out the details behind the Flash Flood Watch

The Coachella Valley saw a few showers and thunderstorms roll over Southern California this past Monday and Tuesday, and KESQ News Channel 3 First Alert Chief Meteorologist Haley Clawson is expects that to last throughout Wednesday night.