Heavy rains from remnants of Tropical Storm Mario batter Coachella Valley
Luis Avila
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley hit hard Thursday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario swept through the region, bringing intense rain, winds, thunder and even hail. The sudden surge in weather conditions led to flooding, traffic accidents, and road closures — leaving behind a trail of damage and soaked residents.
Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs closed between Garnet Avenue and Sunrise Parkway due to flooding — a familiar scene for locals but still a disruptive one. The storm’s intensity took many by surprise.
“It looked good to take a quick bike ride because there was no rain but I could see the clouds and sure enough I rode into the rainstorm.”
Martha Church, Palm Desert Resident
The storm unleashed heavy rain in a short period of time, creating hazardous driving conditions. One of the more serious incidents occurred in Cabazon, where a seven-car crash on Interstate 10 sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries. One vehicle veered off the roadway.
In Palm Desert, the storm brought down trees along Highway 74, with some crashing into residents’ backyards.
“The water was just raging down the side here. I mean I couldn’t believe how much water and so quickly.”
Martha Church, Palm Desert Resident
Despite the dangers, some residents welcomed the unexpected weather.
Officials continue to urge drivers to use extreme caution and avoid driving through flooded roads, even as conditions begin to dry up across the valley.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.