North Indian Canyon Drive remains closed following weekend flooding as video shows drivers traveling through floodwaters
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - North Indian Canyon Drive remains closed at the wash Monday following heavy rainfall across the Coachella Valley over the weekend, as video obtained by News Channel 3 shows motorists driving through flooded roadways across the valley.
The closure comes after the remnants of Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel brought heavy rain and flooding to the desert Saturday night into Sunday morning, forcing several major roads to close.
North Indian Canyon Drive, between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue, is among the roadways frequently impacted by flooding because it crosses the Whitewater Wash.
While other major roads have reopened following the storm, North Indian Canyon Drive remained closed as of Monday afternoon.
The closure is creating another disruption for drivers who regularly use the roadway to travel between Palm Springs and Interstate 10.
But beyond the inconvenience, there are growing concerns about drivers attempting to navigate flooded roadways despite the potential danger.
Video obtained by News Channel 3 shows vehicles driving through standing and moving floodwaters following the storm.
The footage raises questions about why some motorists choose to enter flooded roadways and just how quickly those decisions can turn dangerous.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to follow a simple message when encountering flooded roads: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Floodwaters can conceal roadway damage, debris and hazards beneath the surface. Even relatively shallow moving water can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
News Channel 3's Raymond Kalra is speaking with the Palm Springs Police Department about the dangers of driving through floodwaters, the risks motorists may not recognize and what officers want drivers to understand before attempting to cross a flooded roadway.
Kalra is also showing police video of motorists driving through floodwaters to get their reaction and learn what consequences drivers could face for disregarding road closures.
According to the City of Palm Springs, Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino are particularly vulnerable to flooding because portions of the roads cross low-lying washes.
The city says runoff from surrounding mountain ranges can quickly accumulate in these areas, creating hazardous driving conditions even after rainfall has stopped.
Motorists are encouraged to obey posted road closures, never drive around barricades and seek alternate routes when flooding impacts their commute.
It remains unclear when North Indian Canyon Drive will reopen.
News Channel 3 will have live coverage at 4, 5 and 6 p.m., including the Palm Springs Police Department's response to video of drivers traveling through floodwaters and the safety warnings officers want everyone to hear.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of road conditions and flood recovery across the Coachella Valley.
