Cleanup Efforts Underway In Coachella Valley Following Storm Rachel

NORTH SHORE, CA — Cleanup and recovery efforts were ongoing Wednesday in North Shore following the hazardous conditions created by Tropical Storm Rachel over the weekend.

Several Facebook posts revealed the storm's impact on North Shore and the surrounding areas, which showed numerous vehicles stuck in mud, driveways damaged, trees and fences knocked down and numerous roadways damaged.

Downpours and strong gusty winds covered the Coachella Valley on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Riverside County Transportation Department told City News Service on Wednesday that storm debris removal and roadway clean- up efforts continued Wednesday throughout the eastern Coachella Valley, particularly in the North Shore area.

The storm impacted roughly 15-20 miles of county roadways, with most currently open and passable to vehicles except on Box Canyon Road, which will remain closed until further notice.

"Preliminary estimates indicate approximately $4 million to $5 million in roadway damage throughout the affected area," the spokesperson said.

County Supervisor Manuel Perez on Monday shared a conversation with Emergency Management Department employee Shane Reichardt, who said that "Fortunately, we don't have any residents that we're aware that are displaced."

"The county is working closely with partnering agencies from CalTrans to the Transportation and Land Management Agency on repair to our roads, bridges and parks, which will take a little time," Perez said.

Residents can report damages by dialing 211. More information about disaster preparedness can be found at emd.rivco.gov/storms.