A lull is expected Saturday in the storm systems that have pounded the Inland Empire and produced intense winds, heavy rain and snowfall at higher elevations before another moves into the area Sunday and remain through Monday, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service warned low-lying areas, particularly around mountainous terrain, about rising flood dangers because of the rain after those areas were . exposed to significant runoff from earlier storms this week.
The agency also predicted 1 to 3 inches of snow at 4,500 feet, 3 to 6 inches at 6,000 feet, and up to 2 feet of snow above 8,000 feet through Saturday.
The activity stems from back-to-back troughs of low pressure driven by an “atmospheric river” directed over Southern California by a southward bending jet stream, meteorologists said.
Residents and business owners in Indio were encouraged to pick up empty sandbags to safeguard their properties from the upcoming forecasted rainstorms.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to community safety and preparedness, the City of Indio is taking proactive measures in anticipation of the upcoming rainstorms,” Mediano said in a statement. “We understand the importance of being prepared for adverse weather conditions, and we want to ensure that our residents and businesses have the resources they need to safeguard their properties.”
More information about storm preparedness from the city can be found at indio.org/departments/indio-emergency-preparedness-program/.