Tropical Storm Hilary brings major flooding to Palm Springs and Coachella Valley
CABAZON, Calif. (KABC) -- Southern California desert communities experienced heavy rain and street flooding as Tropical Storm Hilary moved over the region Sunday.
Dozens of cars were trapped in floodwaters in Palm Springs and surrounding desert communities across the Coachella Valley.
Crews pumped floodwaters out from Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. The hospital later said the situation had been resolved and care areas for patients were not affected.
WATCH: Rob Marciano reports from Palm Desert as Hilary moves through SoCal
In Palm Springs, a local state of emergency was declared due "unprecedented rainfall and flooding of local roadways and at least one swift water rescue," according to officials.
"Palm Springs police and fire continue to urge residents to stay home and avoid driving during these dangerous conditions," a statement from the city said.
UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain posted on social media Sunday afternoon that Palm Springs "recorded its heaviest hourly rainfall on record, and intense tropical downpours could continue for hours in the Coachella Valley."
The city of Indio followed suit by declaring its own local emergency late Sunday night, saying the storm has "threatened local infrastructure and public health and safety."
Nearby Palm Desert also reported an array of road closures due to flooding. A stretch of Interstate 10 was closed in both directions in the area Sunday evening due to flooding.
A flood watch will be in effect until late Monday night for Riverside County mountains, the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. The watch will expire at 5 a.m. Monday in Riverside County valleys. A more serious flash flood warning had been in place for most of Riverside and San Bernardino counties earlier in the day, but it was allowed to expire at 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.
