18 Power Poles Downed During Coachella Valley Wind Storm

Palm Desert CA

16 March, 2021

9:57 AM

Description

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Repair crews worked Tuesday morning to restore power to the remaining Imperial Irrigation District customers who lost power when gusty winds blew through Indio and knocked trees and 18 power poles to the ground. A total of 1,012 customers in Indio, La Quinta, Mecca, Thermal and Bermuda Dunes lost power between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday due to heavy winds. About 230 customers in rural Imperial County were also affected, according to the district. The time to restore power to those rural customers could take up to 48 hours in some areas, the district said in a statement. "We remain committed to restoring power service as quickly as we can and appreciate the dedication of our crews and the patience and understanding of our customers," said Marilyn Del Bosque Gilbert, the district's energy manager. Most affected customers in Riverside County had their power restored by 9:30 p.m. Monday, the district said in a statement. The Indio Police Department reported poles were down on Indio Boulevard at Madison Street, closing the roadway in both directions. About 10 p.m., the department said Indio Boulevard at Madison Street and Monroe Street between Avenues 48 and 49 were closed as crews worked on downed power poles and closures will remain until further notice. Residents at Quail Lakes were still able to access their community, police said. Debris, including downed trees, was cleared from the roadway on Highway 111 west of Las Palmas Road about 7:45 p.m. A windblown dust advisory was in place in the San Gorgonio Pass and the Coachella Valley Monday due to the strong gusts. The National Weather Service said the westerly gusts could reach 70 mph in the mountains and deserts. Forecasters said winds should subside Tuesday.