THUNDERSTORMS BRING A REMINDER ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

With rain in the forecast, the Morongo Basin is at risk for flash flooding. Area fire stations have sand bags available for residents they can use to prepare for rains in advance of the storm. Most fire stations will give residents up to 10 sand bags for free. Joshua Tree residents can fill their bags with sand behind the fire station; Yucca Valley residents can go to the public works yard in the Monterey Business Center for sand. In Twentynine Palms and Morongo Valley, residents need to use desert sand for their bags. Sand bags are also available at area hardware and building supply stores. Motorists should be alert to the adverse conditions and avoid areas where excessive water could impede the safe flow of traffic. Normally dry washes can quickly become filled with flood waters, even if rain is not falling in the immediate area. 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 swiftly 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!”