Rain System Targets Valley This Weekend; Events Postponed, Utility Crews on Standby

An intense storm system bringing rain and wind is expected to impact the Coachella Valley beginning Friday and continuing through early Sunday as an atmospheric river sweeps across Southern California.

As of Friday morning, light drizzle and showers were already affecting areas including Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City, with precipitation moving northward toward Yucca Valley and 29 Palms. Meteorologist Jerry Steffen reports the low-pressure center remains offshore but is pulling moisture over central and Southern California, with more widespread rain expected to develop Saturday.

Utility Preparations

The Imperial Irrigation District has been coordinating staffing and resources in advance of the storm to respond to potential power outages and flooding impacts. Power and Water Department crews are on standby to be dispatched as soon as conditions are safe.

"Customers can rest assured that IID is ahead of this, working to minimize impacts and service interruptions that could occur due to this expected storm," said Matt Smelser, Power Manager.

Customers can report power outages at www.iid.com/outage, through the IID Customer Connect mobile app, or by calling 1-800-303-7756. The district advises residents to never approach downed power lines and report them immediately.

IID recommends residents prepare by:

• Keeping emergency kits ready with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, medications, and battery-operated radio

• Charging mobile phones and essential devices

• Being familiar with service panels and main circuit breakers

• Trimming trees and clearing debris away from power lines

• Avoiding electrical equipment when outdoors

Road Conditions

As of Friday morning, no notable road closures had been reported in the valley. However, authorities advise residents to check their typical routes before traveling and reduce speed once rain begins. Mountain runoff could become an issue as rainfall accumulates, particularly Friday night and Saturday.

Event Postponements

The Coachella Valley Filipino Festival, originally scheduled for Saturday, November 15, has been postponed to Saturday, November 22. The festival will still run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Palm Springs Downtown Park with all planned activities intact.

The City of Desert Hot Springs has also postponed its Desert Nights on the BLVD event to Saturday, November 22. The event, featuring DJ DXSKO from 4 to 6 p.m. and a Taylor Swift tribute band from 6 to 8 p.m., will take place on Pierson Boulevard between Cactus Drive and West Drive. The city's inaugural Certified Farmers Market will also launch on the new date.

Desert Hot Springs residents who wish to prepare for the storm can pick up sandbags at Fire Station 37, located at 65958 Pierson Boulevard.

Forecast

Friday's forecast calls for cloudy conditions with temperatures reaching 77 degrees, with light showers possible throughout the day. Saturday will see more persistent rain with highs around 66 degrees. The system is expected to begin clearing out Sunday, though morning showers may linger as it moves through the region.