Rain wreaks havoc on desert roads

Lots of rain came down today, with some of the heaviest downpours happening in parts of the West Valley.

Throughout the valley, drivers saw outer lanes flooded with water.

"I kind of noticed when I was breaking, I’d kind of slide a little bit," Rancho Mirage resident Kayla Rodriguez said.

Some outer roads even resembled rushing rivers. The outer lane on Date Palm Drive near Vista Chino road in Cathedral City became flooded and was closed off to traffic.

"Whenever possible, check the weather before you go out on the roads so you know what you’re getting into," Shane Reichardt, Riverside County Emergency Management Department Public Information Officer said.

Reichardt says plan extra time for your commute and keep at least half a tank, because you never know what could happen.

"We really want people to know to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t cross flooded roadways, turn around don’t drown is an important message," Reichardt said.

The Emergency Management Department will be monitoring the weather conditions at all hours. Despite safety concerns, many people welcome the rain.

"My favorite part of the rain is the view and I like the sound of the rain," Coachella Valley resident Jessica Michaca said.