Flood Watch Issued Across Coachella Valley As Thunderstorm Pounds Area

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — A flood watch was issued across the Coachella Valley Friday, where thunderstorms were bringing wet weather to the region still recovering from Tropical Storm Hilary.

The National Weather Service issued the flood watch from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"Showers and thunderstorms are expected through this evening in the deserts and desert mountain slopes. Heavy rain, leading to flash flooding, gusty winds near thunderstorms, frequent lightning, and hail are expected," the NWS reported.

Rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1 inch per hour are expected in portions of the lower deserts through Friday evening, according to the agency.

Areas of heavy rainfall are possible in the mountains as well, with the heaviest rain forecast on desert mountain slopes, the NWS reported.

The deluge comes as the Coachella Valley continues to recover from Tropical Storm Hilary, which slammed the area Aug. 20. The storm caused more than $100 million in damage to the region, according to county officials.

Friday's wet weather is expected to quickly move out. Areas of showers and thunderstorms are possible at times into early Sunday in the Coachella Valley, but a gradual warming trend is on tap next week, the NWS reported.

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