Flooded roads remain a concern for drivers after New Year’s storm

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - The wet weather may be over, but its impacts are still being felt across the Coachella Valley. Several roadways remain flooded, causing ongoing travel concerns.

“We were trying to make our way to the Palm Springs Air Museum and it took us almost two hours to get there because of all the detours we had to go through," says Donald Owens, hitting the road back to Simi Valley after celebrating the new year.

One of the impacted areas for drivers is the intersection of Bob Hope Drive and Varner Road in Cathedral City, where heavy flooding made travel difficult and, at times, hazardous.

Some drivers said they were caught off guard, citing a lack of warning signs.

Ronnie Huerta, a Desert Hot Springs resident, recalls, "Last night I was getting off work… and me and my daughter, there were no signs and I told my daughter, ‘you got to be careful.’ We didn’t know that it was flooded.” He continues, "We should have signs out there because cars could stall, cause accidents.”

Flooded roadways can also hide serious hazards, like debris and potholes.

Officials continue to remind residents to slow down, avoid flooded areas and use alternative routes.

News Channel 3 reached out to Riverside County, which oversees Thousand Palms, but has not received a response. Cathedral City officials, who oversee the area of Bob Hope and Varner Road, were unavailable for comment.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.