Hurricane Hilary live updates: Newsom declares State of Emergency; road closures announced

• As Hurricane Hilary comes closer to making landfall, the National Weather Service placed the Coachella Valley under a tropical storm warning, emphasizing the potential for high winds and extreme flooding rain that “may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues.”

  Here's the latest on what to expect and how people in the valley and surrounding areas are preparing.Joshua Tree National Park closed due to
• Hurricane Hilary preparations in valley: How to get help, sandbags
• What's canceled in the desert due to Hurricane Hilary?
•  flooding concerns
• Coachella Valley could see year's worth of rain over a few days

'A potentially catastrophic situation'

In the National Weather Service-San Diego's 4 p.m. update, meteorolgist Elizabeth Adams said Hurricane Hilary is currently off the coast of Baja California, some 600 miles south of San Diego. The NWS expects the storm to make landfall sometime Sunday, when heavy rainfall is expected.

"We have a very serious situation here, folks," said Adams, describing the increasing chances and rate of rain that will hit the Coachella Valley and the rest of Southern California's mountain and desert region.

She said rain in the valley, like in Palm Springs, had been delayed compared to what they were expecting Saturday afternoon. But the chances are certainly increasing into the evening, estimating a likely 3/4 inch of rain for the area Saturday night.

Sunday is when conditions are expected to worsen considerably. Sunrise to lunch time, is when "precipitation starts to get really heavy," she added. The chance of rain increases to 90-100% during this period, and around that time, she said we can expect an inch to an inch and a half of rain in a six-hour period.

During Sunday afternoon, Adams said the rate of rain could increase to two inches an hour, resulting in possible "widespread, very life-threatening flash flooding"

"This will become a potentially catastrophic situation developing in the deserts and eastern mountains tomorrow afternoon,” said Adams.

Between Saturday evening and Monday night, Adams said people can expect "over five inches of rain in the mountains, and potentially over seven inches of rain on the eastern slopes."

She urged people to pay close attention Sunday for if officials announce potential evacuations.

Residents offer mixed reactions to the impending storm

As Anna Holt of Palm Springs put three sandbags into the back of her SUV Saturday, the Florida native — who is used to preparing for hurricanes — said having some sandbags is better than having none. She’s most concerned about the potential for flooding as Hurricane Hilary heads toward Baja California and the Southwestern U.S., but added she's doing the best she can to prepare.“It’s strange to think I left Florida to get away from the hurricanes and all that weather," Holt said. "I moved to the desert and was like ‘Surely, that will never be a problem.’ But here we are. It’s definitely weird."

Although most of the desert's nine city governments urged their residents to prepare for the storm by filling city-provided sandbags and stocking up on food — enough to get through several days stranded at home if flooding causes major road closures — several residents didn't feel the need to buy extra bottled water or non-perishable food Saturday.

One resident waved off a reporter outside the Desert Hot Springs Stater Bros. asking her about her bottled water purchase, saying she's "not worried" about the storm and was just doing a typical grocery run. The sentiment was echoed by several desert residents outside the Palm Springs Home Depot who said they were just there to get items for home and business improvement projects and didn't want to comment on the storm.

—Niki Kottmann and Brian Blueskye

Palm Springs Police Department announces pre-emptive road closures to start at midnight

Starting at midnight tonight, Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino Street at the washes will be closed until further notice in preparation of potential flooding due to Hurricane Hilary, Palm Springs Police Department announced late Saturday.

—Niki Kottmann

Emergency alert sign-ups recommended

With heavy rainfall expected early Sunday, officials urged Riverside County and Coachella Valley residents to subscribe to emergency alerts to ensure they receive information quickly.

No evacuations have been issued for the area as of 7 p.m. Saturday night. But if they are needed, the Riverside County Emergency Management Department said residents can be notified through the county's emergency notification system. People can sign up for the notifications with an email address or a phone number at https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco

—Chris Damien

Newsom declares State of Emergency

In advance of the storm, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a State of Emergency for much of Southern California Saturday evening to support the Hurricane Hilary response and recovery efforts as the state continues mobilizing and coordinating resources ahead of the storm's forecasted impacts.

Heavy rainfall and high winds were expected to begin Saturday and last through Monday. At the governor's direction, there were currently more than 7,500 boots on the ground deployed to help local communities protect Californians from the impacts of Hilary.

The governor also signed an emergency proclamation in San Diego while visiting with California National Guard troops. He met with first responders and local officials, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. He was also in touch with federal officials, including the White House.

The Emergency Medical Services Authority has assets on standby, including California Medical Assistance Teams to augment local capacity, aid in evacuations and support medical needs in communities impacted by flooding. The EMSA was ready to assist with Ambulance Strike Teams as necessary to support local communities. The Flood Operations Center is activated and has prepositioned flood-fight materials should they be needed.

—City News Service

Sandbag availability low, exhausted in some valley cities

Sand and sandbags are no longer available at local fire stations in Palm Desert as of Saturday afternoon. Instead, residents can find these resources at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert.

Rancho Mirage ran out of sand at its distribution site at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory parking lot, so many people took their empty bags to a nearby empty lot to fill them with sand straight from the ground. Empty sandbags are still available for Rancho Mirage residents at Fire Station 69 at 71-751 Gerald Ford Drive. Proof of Rancho Mirage address is required.

Indian Wells announced mid-afternoon on Saturday that sandbags are no longer available from that city, and residents are encouraged to seek supplies from local home improvement stores, instead.

—Niki Kottmann

Some businesses choose to close, others open as usual

For most Palm Springs businesses on Saturday, it was business as usual. Most retail stores and restaurants were open and said they had no plans to close.

Michael Weems, owner of the Michael Weems Collection and Autoerotica on North Indian Canyon Drive, said he isn't concerned.

“I’ll put the sandbags in front of my door when I leave this evening, and that’s the extent of it. I don’t think it’s going to be a horrendous storm,” Weems said.

But others were taking precautions.

GayMart on Arenas Road had a sign on its door stating it would be closed on Sunday. Employees behind the counter said it was the decision of the owner for the safety of the store’s staff members.

The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs owner Paul Carr also made the decision to close his East Tahquitz Canyon Way store at 2 p.m. for the safety of this employees. He spoke to The Desert Sun by phone while helping local residents prepare sandbags at Palm Springs City Hall and said “This is not how we expected to be spending our summer.”

“The most important thing is climate change is real, and we have lots of books at the store on the subject,” Carr said. “As a local business, we look at the weather the best we can, make sure everyone is safe and get our books a little higher off the ground (in case of flooding).”

Carr described the storm as “once in a generation” but added it's also brought out the generosity of the community.

“I’m amazed by how prepared the city was for something there was no reason to be prepared for, a tropical storm in Palm Springs? When I see the chief of police and his wife shoveling sandbags down at city hall, I feel like we’re doing OK.”

Palm Springs city councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein, who also owns Destination PSP on North Indian Canyon Drive, said he plans to close on Saturday when the rain starts and “most likely” on Sunday.

“We want to make sure there’s no property damage, which is less important than people getting hurt. Thats why we’re going to stay on the store until the rain starts, make sure we’re sandbagged and everything is protected,” Bernstein said.

—Brian Blueskye

Storm knocks down 45 power poles

A thunderstorm Friday evening downed about 45 power poles in Thermal, cutting power for hundreds as Coachella Valley residents prepared for what will likely be much fiercer rain and wind as the remnants of Hurricane Hilary approach on Sunday.

Imperial Irrigation District, the power provider for the area, posted Saturday on its Facebook page photos of the power poles snapped and scattered on a paved road, high voltage lines still mostly attached. Robert Schettler, the department’s spokesperson, said that the poles were on Harrison Street between Avenues 58 and 63, a stretch of about 2 1/2 miles of roadway.

Initially, he said, about 680 customers were without power around 7:30 p.m. Friday, but by 11 a.m. Saturday, power had been rerouted to all but 65 customers. Those customers, he said, will likely be without power for “several days.” Area residents can go to Desert Mirage High School on 66th Ave in Thermal, where a storm shelter has been set up for anyone without power or who otherwise feels unsafe.

“If anyone sees a downed power line, do not approach it,” Schettler said by phone Saturday. “Please give us a call to report it as soon as you can.”

To report downed power poles or lines to IID, call 1-800-303-7756.

—Chris Damien

Palm Springs International Airport activates its comprehensive storm event plan

Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing & Air Service Daniel Meier said in a press release Saturday and confirmed seperately to The Desert Sun that Palm Springs International Airport has activated its comprehensive storm event plan to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and operations. The plan includes measures such as bringing in additional staff, activating tested backup systems and establishing plans to guarantee safety in case of power outages or other storm-related incidents.

Additionally, all backup power generators have been tested and are ready to go if needed. To mitigate potential flooding concerns, thorough inspections and clearing of storm drains around the airfield, airport roadways and terminal were conducted. Sandbags were also strategically placed around the property.

It's impossible to predict how many flights will be delayed or canceled, Meier said, but the Palm Springs International Aiport team does expect several flights to be canceled or delayed over the next couple of days. PSP requests that all passengers check with their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information concerning their flight status before heading to the airport.

"Our dedicated airport staff is fully prepared to meet the challenges of the impending tropical storm," Harry Barrett, executive director of Aviation at PSP, said in a statement. "Our team's efforts underscore our determination to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, staff, and operations throughout this storm."

—Niki Kottmann and Brian Blueskye

Several flights canceled due to the storm

Southwest Airlines has already canceled afternoon flights on Saturday into Palm Springs from Sacramento, Denver, Las Vegas and Oakland as well as its full schedule into Palm Springs on Sunday, including its one daily flight from Denver as well as flights from Las Vegas and San Jose.

Southwest Airlines is the only airline so far to cancel Saturday or Sunday flights at Palm Springs International Airport.

A quick check of the American Airlines website showed all three flights from Phoenix to Palm Springs and both flights from Dallas to Palm Springs for Sunday were still on time.

United Airlines' website indicated that both daily flights from Denver and three flights from San Francisco were still on time for Sunday arrival into Palm Springs.

Anyone flying should check ahead with their airline for schedule changes.

—Matt Solinsky

Hurricane Hilary: Storm weakens as rain starts in Coachella Valley

Southern California is bracing for significant heavy rainfall and extensive flooding as Hurricane Hilary reaches the region, forecasters say.

Hurricane Hilary headed for Mexico’s Baja California on Saturday as a downgraded Category 2 storm that the U.S. National Hurricane Center predicted will bring “catastrophic” flooding for the peninsula and for the southwestern United States, where it was forecast to cross the border as a tropical storm on Sunday.

Meteorologists expect the storm also to churn up “life-threatening” surf conditions and rip currents — including waves up to 40 feet high — along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

While it’s still likely to enter the history books as the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, Hilary weakened from a Major Category 3 hurricane down to a Category 2 storm at midday Saturday and is expected to weaken further as it treks northward.

The forecasted strength of Hilary when it reaches Southern California has remained unchanged for two days now.

Located about 235 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California on Saturday morning, Hilary was considered "large and powerful" by the National Hurricane Center with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.

National Weather Service meteorologist Adam Roser said on Saturday that a large area of showers and thunderstorms are coming in from the east of Palm Springs. The area could see a quarter of an inch of rainfall during the afternoon and early evening. But the heaviest rainfall is likely to occur on Sunday during the day.

"We could see a few inches of rain (on Sunday), so it'll increase tonight and a lot tomorrow, then taper off on Monday morning," Roser said. "If we get some thunderstorms in the area, it will be heavy downpours, but it's going to be off and on for two days."

Roser said as Hilary moves through the Southern California area on Sunday, winds will increase during the late morning into the afternoon with the potential of gusts up to 60 mph.

Forecasters said the storm could bring heavy rainfall to the southwestern United States, dumping 3 to 6 inches in places, with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches, in portions of southern California and southern Nevada.

—Brian Blueskye and USA TODAY

Rare Tropical Storm Warning issued for Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning as tropical storm-force winds from current Hurricane Hilary are expected to move into Southern California within the next 36 hours.

The entire valley is under the warning from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs in the west to Palm Desert and La Quinta in mid-valley and to Indio and Coachella in the east valley.

This is the first tropical storm warning ever issued for the Coachella Valley.

The National Weather Service warns that significant impacts from strong winds, heavy rains and possible tornadoes could impact the area.

Latest forecasts are for tropical storm force winds of 45-55 miles per hour with gusts to 75 mph are possible in the Coachella Valley from Sunday afternoon until Monday morning.

The weather service advises the strong winds could cause damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects could be blown about and many large tree limbs broken off.

In addition to the wind, flooding rain of 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts are possible in the Coachella Valley.

The weather services warns emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.

In addition the threat for tornadoes remains possible across all of the Coachella Valley.

—Matt Solinsky

Unincorporated communities especially at risk

Thousand Palms, Thermal, Mecca, and other unincorporated communities north of the I-10 and surrounding the Salton Sea are especially at risk because they “are not fully protected from regional flooding and residents in those areas should take extra precautions when it rains,” the Coachella Valley Water District warned on Friday afternoon. 

CVWD’s 16 stormwater protection channels span about 135 miles, and run along dry creekbeds that flow from the surrounding mountains into the Whitewater River/Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, which serves as the backbone of the valley’s stormwater protection and stretches 50 miles from the Whitewater area to the Salton Sea. 

But this stormwater protection is funded primarily by local property taxes, which is why unincorporated areas have lagged behind when it comes to storm protection and other important infrastructure. 

The Thousand Palms area and rural areas in the eastern Coachella Valley, such as Oasis and Salton City, do not currently have flood protection, although efforts are underway to change this. Flood control projects in North Indio and the Thermal/Mecca areas are currently under construction, and CVWD is in the land acquisition phase for flood control projects in Thousand Palms and North Cathedral City. 

CVWD also warned drivers across the valley to take additional precautions this weekend, with a reminder that a number of roads cross stormwater channels or washes and that as little as two feet of water can cause a car or truck to lose traction and float downstream.

During heavy storms in the Coachella Valley, streets can quickly transform into “well-functioning but rapid flood channels” and low-lying neighborhood lots into retention basins, according to CVWD. 

—Erin Rode