Public Safety
Rachel floods Coachella Valley roads, prompts closures
Heavy overnight rain flooded streets in Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Palm Desert, forcing several Sunday road closures and an ongoing cleanup.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel swept across the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving standing water on streets and closing flood-prone wash crossings. Local reporting showed crews clearing drains in knee-deep water near Cathedral City’s Panorama area and flooded roadways in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs closures: North Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino at the wash
Cathedral City impacts: Dinah Shore Drive and several stretches of Ramon Road, Vista Chino and Landau Boulevard
Official response: Cathedral City crews worked through the night on drainage, mud and debris cleanup
Cleanup continues after the heaviest rain
Palm Springs announced that its three major wash crossings closed early Sunday because of flooding. KESQ reported additional closures and lane impacts in Cathedral City and the eastern valley, while NBC Palm Springs documented standing water in Palm Desert and near the Biltmore area of Palm Springs.
Cathedral City said the heaviest rain had passed, but crews still needed to remove mud and debris near the soccer park. Because conditions and closures can change quickly, drivers should check current city or Caltrans notices before traveling through flood-prone areas.
Sources: NBC Palm Springs — October 11 → · KESQ — October 11 → · Cathedral City official update → · City of Palm Springs road-closure notice →