Imperial Valley residents prepare as flood watch takes effect

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - A flood watch is in effect across the Imperial Valley Thursday, and local officials are reminding residents to stay alert and take precautions ahead of possible heavy rain.

The Imperial County Fire Department is providing free sand and sandbags at all of its fire stations. Residents can stop by and fill their own to help protect their homes from flooding.

Some locals are already taking steps to get ready.

"Just check the roofing, make sure you know everything is good before anything. You know, maybe make sure there's no patches or things," said Eulalio Antonio, an Imperial Valley resident. "We did get wood buckets, just in case that we do have a leak," Antonio added.

While some are getting ahead of the rain, others say they're waiting to see how severe the weather gets before taking action.

"People have been telling me that there's going to be some heavy weather, but I haven't seen it, so I haven't started getting ready," said Edward Swanegan.

Swanegan says his home sits on a slight slope, so he's not too worried yet, but he's still keeping an eye on the forecast.

The flood watch remains in effect through Saturday morning, and officials are urging residents to prepare early and avoid driving through flooded areas once the rain begins.