Heavy rain, possible flooding on Saturday
Another Pacific storm makes its arrival Saturday. Light showers are expected throughout the morning. Starting by noon, the Coachella Valley should see widespread rain that could be moderate to heavy into the evening hours.
A Flash Flood Watch stretches into the valley to include Desert Hot Springs and the local mountains. Be prepared to take action should flash flooding occur.
Expect more rainfall with this storm system with the average estimate for the Coachella Valley around 0.5″. Amounts up to an inch would not be uncalled for. Plan ahead for road closures, especially along the wash, as the rain accumulates.
In addition to this, snow is expected for the mountains, but this could cause problems. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Sunday night. Snow levels stay high, above 8,000 ft. for most of Saturday. This means that heavy rain can be expected for the mountains, which could result in significant runoff and possible flooding for the Coachella Valley. The National Weather Service has issued special concern for a high flow and possible flooding in the Whitewater River wash down to the Coachella Canal near the Salton Sea.
Snow levels are expected to eventually drop around 5,000 ft. heading into Sunday. The highest elevations could see up to two feet of snow accumulation, though most areas will see between 6-12 inches.
Winds will also play a heavy hand in our weather over the next 24 hours. A Wind Advisory has been issued for the Coachella Valley with gusts upwards of 40 mph expected. A High Wind Warning is also in place around San Gorgonio Mountain and Big Bear Mountain, where windspeeds could peak at 80 mph.
Sunday we will get a break from the rain with isolated showers still possible. Following today’s storm, arrives another on Monday. This will primarily impact areas west of the valley and our local mountains, but there are chances for showers through Wednesday morning.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FIRST ALERT WEATHER APP!
