Valley Cities Open Sandbag Stations Ahead of Christmas Eve Storm

A winter storm is set to bring widespread rain to the Coachella Valley starting late tonight and continuing through Christmas Eve. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from 4 p.m. Tuesday until 10 p.m. Wednesday, with a 90% chance of rain and totals potentially reaching an inch. Heavier precipitation to the west could send additional runoff into the valley.

City officials are urging residents to prepare now. Before the storm arrives, clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains, secure outdoor furniture and decorations, and check that doors and windows are properly sealed. During the storm, avoid driving through flooded roads and stay away from washes and flood control channels.

Where to Get Sandbags

Palm Desert: Sand is available north of the Civic Center Dog Park near the ballfields at City Hall (73510 Fred Waring Dr.). Sandbags can be picked up in the Development Services Lobby—limit 15 per resident, first-come first-served. After hours, sandbags will be staged next to the sand pile for self-service. Bring your own shovel.

Palm Springs: Sandbags are available at all five city fire stations. Sand is in the back parking lot at City Hall.

Desert Hot Springs: Sandbag pickup runs 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at three fire stations: Station 36 (11535 Karen Ave.), Station 37 (65958 Pierson Blvd.), and Station 98 (69111 Hacienda Ave.).

Stay Informed

Palm Desert residents can sign up for Nixle alerts by texting their ZIP code to 888777. Palm Springs offers community alerts through its city website under the Government tab. Indio, La Quinta, and Coachella also have emergency notification systems, and Alert RivCo covers all of Riverside County.