Flooding causes several road closures, delays on Christmas Eve
If you're heading home after celebrating the holiday, you'll encounter a much smoother ride than travelers did on Christmas Eve.
Roads that had been closed due to flooding on Christmas Eve are now open and conditions are improved.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE:
The winter storm has brought rain and heavy flooding throughout the Coachella Valley.
It has put a damper on some holiday plans, and forced several roads to shut down causing delays for many.
Road Closures:
- Indian Canyon from Tramview to Palm Springs Station Road.
- Araby Dr through the wash area
- Elm Street from Bonita Ave to Adele Ave in Cabazon.
- Seminole Drive east of Morongo Casino to Main Street.
Residents and visitors were forced to take alternate routes, however some drivers did not agree with those closures.
Hundreds of cars were seen cruising past a barricade on Vista Chino in Palm Springs.
One car even caused a collision in the middle of the road.
A man was also seen throwing one of the barricades.
“I think people saw one or two people doing it. And they said well if they can do it, I’m gonna do it so they, you know, just followed each other,” said resident Terry Butler.
If you get caught crossing a road closure barricade, you can get fined. But more importantly, you’re risking your safety and the safety of others.
This isn’t the first time the Coachella Valley has run into these flood closures.
Resident Patty Anya hopes the city can make a change, “It happens every time it rains pretty much. You know, I don’t know why they don’t get it fixed. You know other priorities are getting fixed and what’s more important is this.”
Some Alternative Routes to keep in mind:
- Ramon Road remains the best option if you need to get to the airport from the east end of Palm Springs
- Varner Road and Date Palm are open, if you’re dealing with the closures on Indian Canyon and Gene Autry
