A flash flood warning is in effect for Twentynine Palms and Twentynine Palms Base through 6:15 p.m. Thursday, as thunderstorms dump heavy rain across the desert community and trigger flooding that forecasters describe as either already underway or about to begin. The warning was issued at 3:15 p.m. and covers both the city and the nearby Marine Corps base.
Heavy Rain Triggers Warning Across Desert Community
The National Weather Service office in Las Vegas issued the alert, according to KESQ, with emergency management reporting thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Rainfall totals of 0.75 to 1.25 inches had already fallen as of the warning, with forecasters saying another 0.75 to 1.5 inches was possible before conditions ease.
Per the same report, the flash flooding threat spans more than just open desert washes. Forecasters warned that the rain could produce life-threatening flooding capable of overwhelming creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses in and around Twentynine Palms.
What Residents Are Told to Do
The National Weather Service is urging anyone in the path of the storm to stay aware of their surroundings and to turn around rather than attempt to drive across flooded roads, the station's report notes. Officials specifically flag vehicles as the most dangerous place to be during a flash flood, since most flood-related deaths happen when people are caught in cars on submerged roadways.
Beyond taking precautions, forecasters are also asking the public to help track the storm's impact. Anyone who observes flooding is asked to report it to local emergency services or law enforcement when it is safe to do so, and those agencies are expected to relay that information back to the National Weather Service.
Separately, weather.gov notes that a flash flood warning means a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring, and that anyone in a flood-prone area should move immediately to higher ground. The warning covering Twentynine Palms and Twentynine Palms Base is set to expire at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, though no forecast beyond that window has been issued.
