Tireless Efforts Underway Clearing Roads and More

Latest on Clearing the Roads, Recovery Efforts and How to Volunteer in Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY — The city’s Public Works Department continues to work tirelessly to make significant progress clearing the roads impacted by flooding produced by Tropical Storm Hilary as the community continues the recovery stage of storm response, Ryan Hunt, communications and events manager said Wednesday.

Hunt has updated the community every day since the storm ravaged this community, the second largest in the Coachella Vallley.

Throughout the day and overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday morning, Public Works crews and supporting agencies worked to clear mud from the roadways to improve restricted access to residents unable to leave their homes or neighborhoods.

Road Closures and Cleanup
The emphasized cleanup areas on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, were Date Palm Drive northbound lanes, Avenida La Vista from Los Gatos to Adelina Road, Horizon Road from Panorama Road to Vista Chino, Panorama Road from Avenida La Vista to Horizon Road and Adelina Road from Horizon Road to Date Palm Drive.

Public Works crews are working to clear Date Palm Drive between Vista Chino and 30th Avenue throughout the day on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Here is a current list of closures and a general timeline for reopening:

• For Date Palm Drive between Vista Chino and 30th Avenue, two lanes will be open in both directions by Thursday afternoon/evening.
• Vista Chino between Date Palm and Avenida Maravilla, along with Los Gatos Road at Date Palm Drive to Avenida La Vista remain closed.

“Our crews are working to make progress in these areas, but these roads will take some time to clear,” Hunt said.

Volunteer Efforts

Volunteers looking to help with the cleanup efforts on private property can report to the designated Volunteer Command Post, which is located at Vista Chino, east of Panorama Road and west of Horizon Road. City staff will be on site coordinating this area, led by Stone James, the City’s Economic Development Director and Justin Gardiner, the City’s Code Compliance Manager.

Please check-in at the Command Post for instructions before moving into the area to help with cleanup and checkout with city staff once you decide to leave. Drivers should look out for Code Compliance city vehicles on the north side of Vista Chino. Dress for high heat conditions and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Gloves, shovels, and wheelbarrows are also needed if you have them.

Local Emergency & School Information

Due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding of local roadways, City Manager Charles McClendon declared a local emergency due to the critically dangerous impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary. The City Council of Cathedral City will ratify the emergency order at the regular meeting today, Aug. 23,.

Major thoroughfares including Indian Canyon, Gene Autry and Vista Chino remain closed at the wash due to severe flooding. Due to these conditions, Palm Springs Unified School District sites will remain closed today (Wednesday, Aug. 23).

“We ask for your patience as cleanup efforts are under way in our community,” Hunt said.

Please continue to follow the City’s Facebook page for regular updates. You can also visit
discovercathedralcity.com/tag/tropical-storm-hilary

 

Photos provided by Warren Horton.