Tracking Hilary: Resources as rain impacts the Coachella Valley
We're tracking rainfall in the Coachella Valley from the remnants Hilary. It is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before it reaches southern California.
We've compiled a list of resources to monitor the latest updates across the desert.
Track Weather Conditions
The First Alert Weather Alert Team will continue to track the storm.
A Flood Watch will be in place from 11 a.m. Saturday until 5 p.m. Monday as the storm brings the potential for long periods of heavy rain.
In addition to the Flood Watch, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the region by the National Hurricane Center, which means we can expect winds of 39 m.p.h. to 57 m.p.h. as the storm moves through.
DO NOT DRIVE ON FLOODED ROADS: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN
Get the latest updates on weather conditions online at KESQ.com/Weather.
Have you downloaded the 'KESQ First Alert' app yet? It's FREE! Click here.
You'll stay up-to-date with the latest weather videos. In addition, be able to monitor the changing conditions from wherever you are!
Emergency Alerts
Register for emergency alerts from Alert RivCo.
Alert RivCo allows emergency managers and public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the public in the event of emergencies.
Alert RivCo is used to alert Riverside County community members of urgent actions to take during disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods.
Register for Alert RivCo at: https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco
The City of Palm Springs has its own emergency alert system. The city uses Everbridge to provide timely and lifesaving information to registered residents, no matter their location, at no charge.
Register for Palm Springs' emergency system at: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/emergency-management/emergency-community-alert-sign-up
City Emergency Websites
The City of Coachella has its own pages on their website to help residents find everything they need to know to prepare for the incoming storm.
The page contains information such as:
- Who to contact in the event of an outage, life threatening an after hours water emergency.
- Information to contact the city's Public Safety Department.
- Where to report utility outages, where outages are occurring and preparedness checklists (IID, SoCal Gas, & Coachella Valley Water District).
Officials say the website will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Updates will also be available through the city's social medial channels as well.
The page is located on the Resident section of the website at: https://www.coachella.org/residents/coachella-storm-watch-updates
Download the News Channel 3 App to Receive Breaking News Alerts
Such As Road Closures or Storm Damage
Road Closures:
Most of the valley cities use social media to announce road closures. Remember, roads along the Whitewater Wash will typically flood during rain. Make sure to steer clear of wash areas and remember, turn around, don't drown.
- Caltrans District 8
- RivCoTrans
- Palm Springs Police Department
- Cathedral City Police
- Desert Hot Springs Police Department
- Palm Desert Sheriff's Station
- La Quinta Sheriff’s Station
- Thermal Sheriff's Station
Find Sand and Sandbags
Limited quantities of empty sandbags are available at all CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Stations. Find your nearest Riverside County fire station here.
Palm Springs
Update 08/19/23 11:30 a.m.: The City of Palm Springs is encouraging residents to go to Fire Station 2 for sand bags.
They are also available at the other locations below but they are encouraging residents to head to Fire Station 2.
Empty sandbags will be available to residents daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all five Palm Springs fire stations:
- Fire Station 1: 277 N. Indian Avenue
- Fire Station 2: 300 N. El Cielo
- Fire Station 3: 590 E. Racquet Club Drive
- Fire Station 4: 1300 La Verne Way
- Fire Station 5: 5800 Bolero Road
In addition, sand will be available for pick up in the pit behind Palm Springs City Hall off El Cielo Drive.
Cathedral City
In Cathedral City, empty sandbags will be available to residents daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 412, located off Ramon Road at 32100 Desert Vista Cathedral City, CA 92234. Shovels will be provided on site by the City’s Public Works Department.
Watch this video from the California Department of Water Resources on how to properly fill and place a sandbag.
La Quinta
Palm Desert
Update 08/19/23 as of 1:50 p.m.: Palm Desert Residents can find limited quantities of sand and sandbags at the Civic Center. Fire stations in Palm Desert no longer have sand or sandbags available.
Residents of the city can find these resources at 43900 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert, 92260.
Power Outages:
Emergency Shelters
CVUSD announced that Desert Mirage High School has been designated as a temporary shelter in the event that some families are displaced due to the storm's impact.
