UNEXPECTED STORM BLOWS THROUGH TWENTYNINE PALMS
Severe flooding and rain ravages Twentynine Palms in a monsoonal storm, portion of Highway 62 shuts down.
[Update, Monday, 7/15: Encelia and all lines of Highway 62 are open. MCAGCC non-essential personnel are under a delayed arrival where employees should report to their office no later than 9 am]
Twentynine Palms residents who live east of Encelia Drive and West of Mariposa Avenue may have difficulty leaving or returning home as CalTrans and City of Twentynine Palms Public Works crews tend to actively flowing water, debris, and mud that was caused by an unexpected monsoonal downpour accompanied by pelting hail.
The intersection of Highway 62 and Encelia, where the Stater Bros and Grocery Outlet shopping centers are located, was met with a river of flowing water as a severe flash-flood unexpectedly pummeled the City’s grocery shopping district.
First rain drops started falling at approximately 12:30 pm, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Wind gusts, hail and intense rain picked up by 1:50 pm with the first emergency alert hitting area phones at 1:51 pm. The storm affected areas as far west as Rattlesnake Canyon Wash in Indian Cove, and floodwaters were reported flowing down Utah Trail on the east end of town.
On Sunday afternoon, drivers sought alternate routes from Joshua Tree to Twentynine Palms, including taking Park Blvd. through Joshua Tree National Park or driving on Two Mile Road to avoid Highway 62 flooding. Portions of Adobe Road remain flooded, particularly the intersection of Adobe and Amboy Road heading toward the Marine Corps Base. At 5 pm, the Marine Corps Base posted an update on social media that Adobe Road leading into the main gate entrance is closed.
The City of Twentynine Palms also issued the following information on social media:
Adobe Road from Raymond Road to Amboy Road is now closed.
Split Rock, Tamarisk, Ocotillo, Bagdad, and Joe Davis are closed. The flood gates have gone up. Our Public Works crew is out assessing other areas for flooding.
Mayor Steven Bilderain and City Manager Stone James were surveying the damage early Sunday evening. Mayor Bilderain stated:
Following the storm, various organizations are working together to address the destruction and provide aid. Our top priority is the safety of the community and those responding to the aftermath. We will continue to assess the situation and provide support to any additional areas that may require it.
Road updates are available on City of Twentynine Palms social media.
The Desert Trumpet will continue posting updates as we get them. Remember to be safe, turn around, and don’t drown.
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