Local officials say over-preparation and early mitigation efforts paid off during this week’s storm

City leaders are happy with how successful flood and emergency prevention efforts were during this week's storms.

“I can't say that there's anything I think we wish we would have done better, said David McAbee, Director of Public Works for Palm Springs. "But I do think just every time we continue to learn, and I think we're doing a good job with that, because we try to be as proactive as possible.”

According to David, Palm Springs saw less flooding and fewer road closures this time around, something he attributes to the major efforts made to prepare last week. The main factors: over communication and being overly prepared.

“The city of Palm Springs also does, I think, a great job keeping our residents informed via social media and our website," said McAbee. "We really try to get our message boards put up early. And we really focus on letting motorists know if there is an impending closure or potential for that.”

City crews were sent to clean storm drains and clear debris from roadways. They also had extra crews on standby even after-hours in case of an emergency.

“We had flood signage and message boards pre-staged in areas where we thought could be an issue, so those could be deployed quickly," McAbee explained. "Checking for debris and checking drains, all these types of things, to prepare for the coming water. And then of course, having staff from the police department and public works monitoring the roadways in real time so that we can respond appropriately and quickly."

Palm Springs currently has three road closures along Indian Canyon, Gene Autry Trail, and Vista Chino for flooding around the wash areas. McAbee urges driver to avoid those areas for now while crews work to get them back opened.

Stay with News Channel Three for continuing coverage of the storm and road closures around the Valley.