Flash Flooding Hits Coachella Valley: Road Closures, Heavy Rain Reported

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Riverside County on Monday afternoon, with the alert in effect until 6 p.m. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds across the Coachella Valley, quickly impacting roads and neighborhoods.

New video from Palm Desert shows sheets of rain sweeping across the valley floor. Residents are urged to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, as flash flooding can develop rapidly.

NBC Palm Springs reporter Brett Rosen was live in Cathedral City Monday evening, where flooding along Dinah Shore Drive forced vehicles into detours through nearby residential areas. “Many cars are having to turn around or detour,” Rosen reported, noting that water was pooling across the roadway.

According to the California Highway Patrol, flooding was also reported on 66th Avenue, Monterey Avenue, and Date Palm Drive, forcing closures and traffic delays.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway suspended operations for the remainder of the day, with tramway officials reporting more than 2.5 inches of rain at the mountain top. Temperatures dipped below 50 degrees with winds near 5 miles per hour.

On the valley floor, winds knocked over trees, including one that split in half on Monterey Avenue near Fred Waring in Palm Desert. Sheriff’s deputies blocked lanes until crews arrived to clear the debris.

Residents are reminded that storms like this can intensify quickly, creating hazardous conditions across the Coachella Valley.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.