Haboob hits valley overnight: Damaging winds and lightning strike, cleanup in progress
The valley is facing the aftermath of a powerful haboob that struck in the early hours of Monday morning, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The overnight storm brought damaging winds and lightning to various parts of the valley, resulting in downed trees, wind damage to structures, and lightning-induced fires. As the dust settles, residents are now grappling with the daunting task of cleaning up the mess.
Paulette Corboy and her husband, Michael, experienced the full force of the haboob firsthand. Their Indio yard was coated in dust and debris, making it an overwhelming task to clean up. "The dust is everywhere in the swimming pool, the patio furniture, the driveway," Michael said. "I haven't seen a sandstorm like that in the four years I've lived here. My swimming pool has about an inch of sand in the bottom of it."
Michael, who works servicing AC units, had to stop by Home Depot to purchase a new leaf blower to aid in the cleanup efforts. "The amount of dust that has impacted us is tremendous. It's almost overwhelming today, more than I've ever seen," he said.
Not only did the haboob bring dust, but it also caused substantial damage. Downed trees were scattered throughout the valley, causing obstructions and minor accidents. One driver lost control of their vehicle after colliding with a fallen tree on Miles Avenue and Washington Street in La Quinta, resulting in injuries and hospitalization.
A rental property in Bermuda Dunes narrowly escaped being crushed by a fallen tree, sparing nearby cars from harm. In Coachella, a metal parking structure bore the brunt of the winds' force.
Adding to the storm's fury, a powerful lightning storm rolled through La Quinta around 10:30 Monday morning, sparking at least half a dozen fires, primarily in palm trees, and some in gated communities.
On Miles Avenue and Washington Street in La Quinta before 4 a.m., a driver lost control after colliding with a tree that was down in the middle of miles. The car crashed into a wall and the driver was taken to the hospital with injuries.
The aftermath of the storm serves as a significant reminder of the potential dangers and damages that wind events can bring to the valley. While cleanup efforts continue, residents are urged to stay cautious and vigilant during the recovery process.
A First Alert Weather Alert has been issued through 4 p.m. Tuesday for hazardous impacts to our Air Quality as a result of an early morning haboob.
The outflow from some overnight thunderstorms in the eastern valley have lofted large amounts of sand and dust into the air, prompting air quality concerns.
The chance of thunderstorm activity, namely in high-elevation areas, increases this afternoon. Rainfall is most likely to impact mountain and high desert communities although light rainfall could continue to drift onto the valley floor.
The chance of thunderstorms linger into Tuesday before the atmosphere begins to dry out.
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