First monsoon storms of the season expected to bring rain, wind, and flooding concerns to Coachella Valley
Timothy Foster
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The first monsoon storms of the season are expected to move into the Coachella Valley next week, bringing the possibility of heavy rain, strong winds, blowing dust, and flash flooding.
Emergency officials are reminding residents to prepare ahead of the storms, as desert weather can change quickly and create dangerous conditions.
Even if rain is not falling in one area, storms miles away can send water rushing through washes and low-lying roadways. Officials recommend securing outdoor items, staying updated with the latest forecast, enabling emergency alerts on phones, and avoiding flooded streets.
Palm Desert resident Emily Vogt says she learned firsthand how unpredictable monsoon storms can be after a microburst hit her neighborhood.
“My experience is, it’s very unpredictable,” Vogt said. “We weren’t expecting a big storm. It was just going to be a regular monsoon storm… but monsoons have microbursts… and we happened to have a microburst right over our block.”
Vogt says the storm brought heavy rain, hail, and flooding to her neighborhood, even though nearby areas saw much less impact.
Officials remind residents that just a few inches of fast-moving water can be dangerous and can sweep away vehicles. The message during monsoon season remains: if you come across a flooded roadway, turn around, don’t drown.