Vista Chino, Gene Autry, Indian Canyon still closed Friday at the wash due to low visibility

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Gene Autry Trail, Indian Canyon, and Vista Chino are closed at the Whitewater Wash in Palm Springs due to low visibility.

Gene Autry and Indian Canyon were closed on Wednesday. On Friday afternoon, Vista Chino was shut down.

A First Alert Weather Alert is in place through Friday for breezy to gusty winds and air quality impacts.

Despite the road closures, News Channel 3 crews spotted several drivers breaking through barriers on Vista Chino.

The inclement weather also impacting tourists plans, who traveled to Palm Springs for moderate temperatures.

"We are from central Canada. We don't get winds like these, so it's been a good experience driving. You know, I'm always up to the challenge and this is no different," Chaitan Sandu said.

Other visitors from Northern California were also caught off guard.

"No, we don't feel safe. And we don't know where we're going. It's ruining our vacation," Debbie from Pacifica said.

At the Galleri Classic golf tournament in Rancho Mirage, the wind also causing a stir.

"It's so hard out there. You'll have a right to left pop at the winds of a left. So you got to laugh with the wind. If you miss the gust, yeah it's going to miss," Cameron Percy said.

Still, some travelers taking it in stride.

"I was hoping for a bit quieter weather, but I guess we have to experience this. It'll be a once in a lifetime experience to see the storm in the desert," Meena Sandu said.