Flood Advisory Issued In Palm Desert, Parts Of Coachella Valley

PALM DESERT, CA — A strong thunderstorm making its way across the Coachella Valley Friday afternoon prompted a flood advisory and a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service.

The advisory and statement were in effect from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

"Some locations that will experience flooding include southern Indio, southeastern Palm Springs, Coachella, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Hwy 74 Between Anza And Palm Desert, Thermal, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Santa Rosa Mountain," according to the NWS.

The weather agency advised drivers to stay off flooded roads.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," according to the agency.

The storm was bringing significant wind gusts up to 50 mph, according to the weather agency.

Lightning was a threat too.

"Frequent lightning is occurring with this storm," the NWS reported. "Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle."

The storm was bringing a respite from the oppressive heat that has hovered around 105 degrees.