Author: KESQ

Matthew Pearce

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway reopened Tuesday after electrical damage from the weekend storm caused it to close on Monday.

Greg Purdy, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Tram, said the problem was not flood-related, but electrical damage to some circuits at the Tramway. Purdy added that crews worked on the issue since it was first noticed, but the reopening was contingent on having the correct replacement to fix the issue.

The closure left us with questions about the process of reopening, so News Channel 3’s Matthew Pearce took those questions to Chris Bartsch, vice president of Tramway Systems, who said the tram has a troubleshooting process which started when the tram’s own safety system detected a problem, noting the issue surfaced after crews completed their monthly safety tests.

“We were returning the cabins to dock and we got to stop. The system said something’s wrong. I’m not going to allow it to go,” Bartsch said.

Bartsch says the initial warning pointed them toward the top station. But that didn’t necessarily mean the problem was there

We found a damaged wire, which is what sends the signals from cabin to cabin in the control room just to safety circuits, and we also found a damaged circuit board.

He says the system is built to stop when a problem like this is detected, and after that stoppage, crews replace the damaged components before immediately moving to the next step in reopening.

“We’ve run a dozen trips without incident. We’ll run a few more just to make sure we are certain that this problem has been resolved,” Bartsch said.

And in terms of the purpose behind it, Bartsch says it’s to ensure two things.

“Our intention is to provide a safe and enjoyable trip. There was no real safety issue. It was a fault that was, like I said, from a faulty wire. But if the car stops mid-trip multiple times, it’s not enjoyable, especially for people who are already a little anxious about riding the tram,” Bartsch said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information and check their website for updates before you make the trip.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel cleared out of the Coachella Valley on Sunday. The leaks it left behind are keeping one local roofing company’s phones busy.

Jessica and Ryan Bond, co-owners of family-owned RB Roofing, said calls started Saturday night as the storm dropped 1.15 inches of rain on Palm Springs and 1.71 inches on Thermal, according to National Weather Service totals reported Sunday. By Monday, they were driving from one leak to the next.

“It’s actually been Hilary’s little sister, Rachel,” Jessica Bond said. “She didn’t come in with a vengeance like we experienced a few years ago, but our phones have been ringing off the hook.”

Tropical Storm Hilary set Palm Springs’ single-day rainfall record with 3.18 inches on Aug. 20, 2023.

Bond said many of this week’s calls are coming from homeowners who thought their Hilary problems were behind them.

“A lot of homeowners, it’s like Groundhog Day for them,” she said. “Things that they experienced during Hilary, they’re all coming back up because that rainfall came in and it came hard.”

She said repairs made after that storm are failing early because they were not done correctly the first time.

The most urgent calls involve flat roofs holding standing water, a problem roofers call ponding. Ryan Bond said a flat roof without proper slope will hold water, and the water will find any opening.

“If there’s a little pinhole, all the water is coming into the house until it’s all gone off the roof,” he said.

Jessica Bond said some homeowners who started leaking Saturday are still seeing drips Monday because water is still sitting on their roofs. Crews are clearing that water first, then making repairs.

On tile roofs, the damage usually starts small. One broken or slipped tile exposes the underlayment, the paper layer beneath the tiles designed to stay out of the sun, Jessica Bond said. Once exposed, it breaks down and lets water through.

Drains and gutters clogged with tamarisk and palm debris pool water on the roof, where it soaks into the underlayment. Swamp coolers dripping onto a roof can weaken the material beneath them before anyone notices, she said.

“These things can be avoided if you definitely have somebody checking your roof every once in a while,” she said. “But unfortunately, it’s one of those things we’re not really proactive about because we don’t see it and we’re not looking at it every day.”

Asked about seasonal residents and visitors who do not keep up with maintenance, Bond said homes that sit for months without a roof check are the ones kicking themselves now.

Ryan Bond recommends a roof inspection once a year, or twice a year for homes near trees, hillsides or sand dunes.

Rachel flooded roads across the valley early Sunday and left North Shore streets buried in mud. The First Alert Weather team expects skies to clear this week, with highs in the 70s and 80s.

Jessica Bond said the company is pushing to get estimates and repairs done before the next round of rain, which she expects by the holidays.

“Unfortunately, this is just the beginning,” she said. “Last year the rain was crazy during those weeks, and it’s kind of feeling like a trend.”

Ryan Bond said he has lived in the Coachella Valley for 11 years and started the company after working for other roofers in the area whose practices he did not like. Jessica Bond was born and raised in Palm Springs, according to the company’s website.

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Raymond Kalra

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 Drive

On 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 roads

News 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 responders

Beyond 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 closed

North 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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Matthew Pearce

North Shore, Calif. (KESQ) — Tropical Storm Rachel left roads covered in mud and debris across parts of the Coachella Valley, creating hazardous driving conditions in the East Valley. Especially the unincorporated community of North Shore, which sustained severe impacts.

The storm left streets throughout North Shore covered in mud that has since compacted, making road clearing efforts increasingly difficult.

Mudslides, fallen fences and collapsed roads have left residents concerned about safety and evacuation routes as the wet season continues.

Since the storm passed, local homeowners and Riverside County crews have worked to clear mud and debris from local streets. However, community members report that significant recovery work remains unfinished, highlighting broader infrastructure deficiencies in the region.

Anita Garcia, a North Shore resident, detailed the extensive destruction left behind across her neighborhood after floodwaters moved through the area.

“Well, there’s a lot of damage and sand everywhere. Holes, fences knocked down, houses are, like, messed up from water went inside the houses,” Garcia said.

Residents concerns go beyond cleanup, though. Garcia tells News Channel 3 there are immediate safety concerns specifically regarding kids in the neighborhood.

“Kids, you know, get out the bus. There’s no lights. All, you know, dark. They can run over them or something. We need a lot of help here in North Shore,” Garcia said.

Riverside County representatives acknowledged the structural challenges facing the community during severe weather events.

Manuel Perez, the supervisor for district 4 in Riverside County stated that inadequate public works remain a recurring issue.

“It’s a sad situation once again here in North Shore when we have these storms. It’s just the lack of infrastructure that’s very much needed,” Perez said.

In response to the threat of additional rain during the wet season, county workers are attempting to clear key drainage systems. Shane Reichardt, an official with the countys emergency response department, detailed the ongoing maintenance work.

“We’re working very hard on our side to prepare for it. … We’re doing a number of different things to try and make sure that culverts are cleared, the roadways are cleared, drains are cleared,” Shane said.

For resources in Riverside County, head to their website.

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Patrick Evans

A few spotty showers remain around the region today, so you may need to use those windshield wipers, but only briefly. The chance of showers hovers near 20% for the rest of this afternoon.

Highs will be subdued all week, in the 70s and 80s, thanks to a large area of low pressure, and a major shift in the Jetstream.

Today, expect mid-70s for a comfortable daytime high.

For the remainder of the week, skies will clear out and temps will be well below average. We do warm up through the week, but highs top out in the 80s, the average this week is 93.

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Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Head Trip campers are packing up and heading home Monday morning after a weekend of music, rain and a lightning-related disruption.

Lightning forced organizers to cut Saturday night’s show short, sending festivalgoers back to their campsites and vehicles. The festival continued Sunday.

Drivers traveling near the Empire Polo Club should plan ahead and watch for traffic around the festival grounds as campers leave.

A closure on Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Street is scheduled to remain in place through October 18. Drivers should check their routes before leaving and follow posted detours.

News Channel 3 is monitoring traffic conditions in the area.

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Kiera McKinney

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — HeadTrip festivalgoers are preparing for another night of music after lightning forced organizers to end Saturday’s show early at the Empire Polo Club.

Organizers announced just before 9:30 p.m. that performances would not resume because of continued lightning. Attendees were directed to leave the venue and seek shelter.

Later that night, campers were told to continue sheltering in their vehicles until further notice, with lightning and rain expected into the early morning.

Some campers described a cold, wet night, with rain soaking clothes, shoes and camping supplies. Festivalgoers who spoke with News Channel 3 said they were using extra jackets and emergency blankets as they prepared for the second day.

Weather remains a concern Sunday night. The National Weather Service forecasts winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph across the Coachella Valley. A wind advisory remains in effect until 5 a.m. Monday.

The updated Sunday schedule includes a performance postponed from Saturday night. Music is scheduled to continue until 12:50 a.m. Monday.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to turn on notifications in the official HeadTrip app and follow instructions from organizers for weather and schedule updates.

Stay tuned for how fans are preparing on News Channel 3 at 10 and 11.

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KESQ News Team

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Southern California Edison is reporting multiple unscheduled power outages in the Coachella Valley and high desert following the impact of Rachel overnight.

As of 2:00 p.m. three separate outages in Palm Springs, one on Cathedral City, one in Rancho Mirage and one in Palm Desert are impacting over 250 customers.

Several are attributed to “storm conditions” or equipment problems.

Other minor outages are reported in North Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

Service restoration times vary, and outages canbe reported and viewed on SCE’s outage status webpage.

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KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Head Trip is set to go on Sunday, despite being forced to end its first night early due to severe weather, with some adjustments to its schedule.

Calvin Harris, who was unable to take the stage before Saturday’s show ended at 9 p.m. due to stormy weather, is now slated to perform Sunday night at 9:10 p.m. ahead of headliner Swedish House Mafia, performing at 11:00 p.m.

In addition, earlier sets have been pushed down by approximately 30 minutes or more to accommodate the addition, with DJ Harvey originally scheduled to kick off the festival at 3:30 p.m. and now performing at 3:05.

The Saturday night suspension came with a packed crowd in the middle of a set by “Under Construction”, a duo consisting of Fisher and Chris Lake.

Indio Police say, “The decision to end the concert early was made under unified command, which included the Indio Police Department, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire, and Goldenvoice. This was done out of an abundance of caution due to weather conditions.”

Sunday rainfall chances are expected to drop off as the day goes on.

Head Trip is a one-time-only festival by Goldenvoice, which follows the template of the 2023 metal-focused Power Trip and the 2016 classic rock fest Desert Trip.

Stay with News Channel 3 for further updates.

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Matthew Pearce

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Tropical Storm Rachel continues to move north after making its way through the Coachella Valley.

Many streets and neighborhoods were flooded, and runoff from the mountains formed streams in many places. However, after the water receded, those streams left behind piles of mud.

News Channel 3 is speaking with locals to hear how they are dealing with the cleanup.

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