With today’s rain, the Morongo Basin is at risk for flash flooding. Three fire stations in the area have sand bags available for residents. Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley Station 41 on the highway are giving away up to 10 sand bags, and Morongo Valley will give out an unlimited number of sand bags to residents who may need them. Yucca Valley residents can fill their bags with sand behind the fire station; in Twentynine Palms and Morongo Valley, residents need to use desert sand for their bags. Fire Engineer Dave Faller reminds motorists that a safe alternative to cross the flood channel through the middle of Yucca Valley is by taking Sage Avenue for north-south routes. He added that portions of Highway 62 can flood, and Sunnyslope to the north is a safe alternative to the highway. Reporter Mike Lipsitz has these timely reminders about flash flooding and driving on wet roads…
Desert rains can be a mixed blessing when the much needed precipitation turns a normally dry wash or roadway into a torrent of raging, muddy water and debris. During heavy rain or in a flash flood avoid areas with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet. Don’t allow children to play near high water, storm drains or washes. Hidden dangers can lie beneath the water. Flooded roads can have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters. Water only one foot deep can float most automobiles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flooded roads. Z107.7 reminds Basin residents to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
