Flooding strands more than 200 people at the Palm Springs Tramway
More than 200 people were left stranded at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway following a storm.
Greg Purdy, vice president of marketing and public affairs at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, told News Channel 3 that approximately 234 customers are stuck at the bottom and top of the tram.
“Oh just awful, flooded and you know it’s quite a bit of water that comes down from there,” said resident Aaron Eblan, who was stuck at the top for a couple of hours.
The tram was operational, however, the road to leave was washed out by the rain.
“And we were just waiting in a cave for the rain to stop. The rain came in and got worse. And it started hailing. Like it was like ice balls coming this big and like the lightning was coming in, the thunder was coming in, it was crazy,” said hiker Solomon Kwan.
Visitors were able to come back down the mountain by 6:20 p.m., Purdy confirmed. The Tram will remain closed on Tuesday.
This comes after a storm brought heavy rain to the mountain, causing flooding in parts of the tram station.
“Down the dirt path, it was like a straight river. It wasn’t like dirt anymore, just straight water and crazy," Kwan added.
First time tram visitor, Austin Ahlstedt, didn't even make it all the way up the road. He was forced to turn around when he saw water coming downhill. “So, I wasn’t really expecting anything and then I just saw a flood coming down the road. And the road’s just coming straight up so it was coming like fast down so I had to dodge it.”
Flooding at the tramway. @KESQ https://t.co/mPh8bevPf3
— Haley Clawson KESQ (@KESQHaley) August 8, 2022
A Flash Flood Warning is currently in effect for the San Jacinto Mountain including Highway 243 and Idyllwild.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING until 6:45 p.m. for San Jacinto Mountains including Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Anza, HWY 243 between Banning and Idyllwild, and HWY 72 between Mountain Center and Anza. pic.twitter.com/NESxZGORBn
— Haley Clawson KESQ (@KESQHaley) August 8, 2022
A First Alert Weather Alert has been issued through Tuesday night due to increased risks for thunderstorms and possible flash flooding.
Have you downloaded the 'KESQ First Alert' app yet? It's FREE! Click here.
You'll stay up-to-date with the latest weather videos. In addition, be able to monitor the changing conditions from wherever you are!
