CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Public works crews in Cathedral City are working hard to make sure that the city’s infrastructure can handle the rainfall.
City officials told News Channel 3 typical trouble spots are checked and surveyed before each forecasted weather event. Crews also clear storm drains ahead of time.
Director of Public Works, John Corella, said his team has been taking the same steps as every forecasted storm.
“We treat every storm equally important with significance, just that we just as we prepared for [Hurricane] Hilary two years past,” he said.
About 50 different storm drains in known problem areas are cleared of debris. Crews also preposition barriers and cones in areas that may be closed due to flooding.
It comes after a storm in November caused mudflows on Varner Road at the northern end of the city. Other spots include the wash at Vista Chino. Crews were seen placing cones and barriers on the side of the road for easy access if the call is made to close the road due to flooding.
Corella said the wash is managed by different flood control agencies, like Riverside County Flood Control and the Coachella Valley Water District.
“We also look at other areas, stormwater channels, and see if there’s debris that we may need to talk to a local flood control agency to be able to clean out and manage that,” he explained.
He asked residents to also do their part to maintain drainage systems near the properties. “Make sure their rain gutters are clear, make sure the downspouts are clear, and then most importantly, It’s in our municipal code that they need to go out there and make sure their gutters, their curb and gutter is free of debris.”
Residents were also seen taking advantage of a sandbag filling area at Cathedral City Fire Station #2 (32-100 Desert Vista Road). Other cities are providing similar resources, like Palm Desert and Palm Springs.
In Palm Springs, sandbags are available for pickup at all five of the city’s fire stations, as well as City Hall.
🌧️ Storm Preparedness Update 🌧️
With several inches of rain expected over the next few days, select fire stations/locations will have sand available to help residents prepare for potential flooding.
🟤 Unfilled sandbags are available at ALL fire stations
🟡 Sand is available… pic.twitter.com/zM9UxMXYj1
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) December 23, 2025
Stay with News Channel 3 as we track the incoming storm and hear more from crews and residents on how they’re preparing.