N Indian Canyon Drive back open after weekend storm; Video shows drivers traveling through floodwaters
UPDATE:
Around 7 a.m. Tuesday, Palm springs Police Department sent out an alert that North Indian Canyon drive is back open at the whitewater wash between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Barricades are up, but not every driver is stopping.
North Indian Canyon Drive remained closed Monday following heavy rain and flooding across the Coachella Valley over the weekend, but News Channel 3 witnessed firsthand how some motorists are continuing to disregard road closures despite warnings from law enforcement.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel brought heavy rainfall to the region, flooding several roadways and forcing closures throughout the desert.
Videos captured across the Valley over the weekend show vehicles traveling through flooded intersections, even as water covered portions of the roadway.
Palm Springs police are reminding drivers that attempting to cross flooded streets or bypassing road barricades can put not only motorists at risk, but also the first responders who may be called to rescue them.
Driver caught bypassing barricades on Indian Canyon DriveOn Monday, News Channel 3’s Raymond Kalra was reporting near North Indian Canyon Drive and Sunrise Parkway, where barricades remained in place following the weekend’s storms.
While on scene, Kalra witnessed and recorded a driver maneuvering around the barricades and continuing down the closed roadway.
The incident happened despite posted restrictions preventing motorists from traveling through the area.
Kalra sent the video directly to the Palm Springs Police Department, asking why the road remained closed despite appearing dry and why officers were not stationed at the barricades to prevent motorists from entering.
Police confirmed the closure was still necessary because of sand and mud left behind by the storm.
Although standing water may no longer be visible in some areas, police say hazardous roadway conditions can remain after the rain has stopped.
The department also explained that it does not have enough available personnel to station officers at every closure throughout the day while responding to other priority calls.
As an example, police pointed to an injury collision Monday that required one officer to investigate the crash and another to follow up at the hospital.
A department representative told News Channel 3 that police have limited resources and must balance monitoring road closures with responding to emergency calls throughout the city.
Police react to videos of drivers crossing flooded roadsNews Channel 3 also showed Palm Springs police representative Mike Torres videos of vehicles traveling through floodwaters at various locations across the Coachella Valley over the weekend.
Torres expressed concern over drivers underestimating the dangers of flooded roads, particularly in areas where the pavement dips and water can accumulate.
He emphasized that road barricades are placed to protect motorists from conditions that may not be immediately visible.
“These barriers are not a suggestion,” Torres said.
Torres warned that driving around a closure can expose drivers and passengers to unknown hazards, including damaged roadways, accumulated debris and unsafe terrain.
He also explained that even when floodwater does not appear particularly deep, it can still create dangerous situations for motorists.
Water entering a vehicle’s engine can cause it to stall, potentially leaving occupants stranded in hazardous conditions.
Once a driver becomes stranded, police officers, firefighters or other emergency personnel may need to respond, creating additional safety risks.
Torres said first responders often face the same unknown hazards as the motorists they are trying to rescue.
Preventable emergencies strain first respondersBeyond the immediate danger to motorists, Torres said ignoring road closures can place additional pressure on emergency services.
“It’s very frustrating for us,” Torres said, explaining that responding to avoidable emergencies can spread resources thin.
He added that when officers and other first responders are sent to rescue drivers who disregarded warnings, those resources may not be available to respond as quickly to another emergency.
Torres stressed that officers understand road closures can be inconvenient, particularly for people traveling to work or trying to reach destinations across the Valley.
However, he said saving a few minutes is not worth risking someone’s life.
Police are encouraging motorists to plan ahead, allow additional travel time during severe weather and follow all posted road closures.
Why North Indian Canyon Drive remains closedNorth Indian Canyon Drive is among several major roadways in the Coachella Valley vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain.
The roadway crosses the Whitewater Wash, where water and debris can accumulate during storms.
Even after floodwaters recede, sand, mud and debris may continue to create hazardous driving conditions.
Palm Springs police confirmed Monday that North Indian Canyon Drive remained closed because of sand and mud.
Torres also explained that officials need to assess roadway conditions before reopening traffic to ensure motorists can pass through safely.
No confirmed reopening time was provided to News Channel 3 as of Monday afternoon.
‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’Police are reinforcing the National Weather Service’s familiar warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways or maneuver around barricades, even when conditions appear safe.
Torres said officers are not trying to inconvenience the public by closing roads. Their priority is preventing situations that could result in injuries, stranded motorists or dangerous rescues.
His message to anyone considering driving around a barricade was clear.
“They are a mandate,” Torres said.
News Channel 3 will continue monitoring the closure of North Indian Canyon Drive and provide updates as officials determine when the roadway can safely reopen.
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