Local & Community
Board Ratifies Local Emergency Declaration Due To Desert Windstorm
The Board of Supervisors Tuesday ratified a local emergency declaration connected to a windstorm that toppled power poles in parts of the Coachella Valley, causing $2 million in damage and knocking out electricity to hundreds of homes and businesses.
“The windstorm caused serious infrastructure damage,” Riverside County Emergency Management Director Bruce Barton told the board. “Imperial Irrigation District customers were without power in Bermuda Dunes, Mecca, North Shore, Thermal, Indio.”
The board’s approval of the proclamation follows emergency resolutions already signed by the IID Board of Directors and Barton in the wake of the March 15 storm. With the board’s official recognition of an emergency, the California Office of Emergency Services will be put on notice that there is a need for financial and other relief to contend with the damage.
Winds gusting in excess of 50 mph lashed the eastern county area, as well as large swaths of Imperial County, late on the afternoon that day. A winter storm was pushing through the region at the time.
According to Barton, 18 utility poles went down and several underground transformers blew during the event.
The IID, which serves part of the Coachella Valley, said nearly 1,700 customers lost electricity. The outages lasted two days in one or two spots, but electricity was restored in most places after one day.
No one was injured.
Supervisor Manuel Perez, who represents the area, thanked Barton and his team for “mobilizing” immediately after the storm to offer assistance to residents. But the supervisor expressed concern that the another storm could wreak the same havoc again.
“I’m hoping there is some sort of plan moving forward,” he said.
Barton said that the IID is examining its “response protocols” and intends to create a “really robust” system of prioritizing power restoration in the future.
According to the EMD director, the county is additionally working with the district to establish community centers where mobile power generators can be switched on without delay, offering shelter to those in need.
“We could address issues and provide services that are needed by residents for the duration of whatever the power outages might be,” he said.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 30, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?