Officials on preparedness ahead of weekend storm: “We’re 100% ready”

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City's fire chief is confident in the preparations his department has taken. With the potential for flooding in the forecast from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, those preparedness steps could prove to be critical this weekend.

"We don't get to choose what calls we get to go to, so we're 100% ready," said Chief Michael Contreras.

He pointed to lessons learned from Tropical Storm Hilary. While that storm ravaged parts of Cathedral City – and much of the Coachella Valley – in 2023, the chief said the department stepped up, performing rescues and preventing any fatalities. In its wake, the department has prioritized training, command and control, and adding several key partners to its contact book.

Contreras said he has sent over 20 of his personnel to be trained in swiftwater rescues since his department received a federal grant in 2025. Equipment, like a boat, has also been ordered to be used in such rescues.

Pre-planning is a key component, too. Leaders within the fire department have ran through different scenarios on where they would stage equipment and crews in the event of flooding. Plans have been drawn up on the mutual aid partners Cathedral City Fire can rely on for different emergencies. Whether that's contacting the Palm Springs Fire Department for assistance or requesting a helicopter from CAL FIRE, the chief said the department has great local partners that can help.

Leaders also attend a weekly situational awareness meeting with the National Weather Service on the weather threats that could be coming.

The chief pointed out that even if this weekend's storm doesn't bring significant rainfall, all of this preparation will still be relevant with El Niño forecasted to bring wetter-than-usual conditions through at least February of next year.

Stay tuned for our full report at 5 o'clock on News Channel 3. Chief Contreras will provide more information on the steps residents and visitors – some of whom are coming for the HeadTrip festival in Indio – should take to prevent getting into a dangerous situation this weekend.