Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Palm Springs with over half of a year’s worth of rain in mere hours – and cut off the city’s emergency services.
California officials declared a local state of emergency due to “unprecedented rainfall and flooding of local roadways and at least one swift water rescue.” City officials also urged residents to stay home and to “avoid driving during these dangerous conditions.”
Dozens of cars are trapped in floodwaters across the city as well as in surrounding communities, according to ABC7.
“There’s no way in or out of Palm Springs and that’s the case for the majority of the Coachella Valley. We’re all stuck. Our major freeway, I-10, is also closed in both directions. This is a very extreme situation at the moment,” said Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner on Monday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Sunday that the state had experienced “the most significant rainfall over a 60-minute period any time in the history of Palm Springs.”
“That’s how quickly this system is moving. Take nothing for granted,” Mr Newsom said in a news briefing in Los Angeles.
The City of Palm Springs issued a warning via X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that 911 lines were down across the city: “Please call (760) 327-1441 for any police or fire related matter.” Residents can also text 911, the statement added.
According to a spokesperson for Frontier Communications, Frontier customers can call 911 if they have a dial tone. These customers will need to provide the operator with their contact info, like their name and address.
Both Governor Newsom and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo have declared states of emergency.
