‘Intense’ rain, possible floods in Valley this weekend, National Weather Service says
A storm system is expected to move over the San Joaquin Valley this weekend, possibly dropping 3 to 6 inches of rain and potentially causing floods, according to the National Weather Service.
The system is expected to be an atmospheric river — a column of vapor that can cause extreme rainfall and floods.
The NWS issued a flood watch from 4 p.m. Saturday until 4 p.m. Monday. Rainfall could be intense near the southern Sierra foothills below 7,000 feet, said Andy Bollenbacher, NWS meteorologist.
Flooding could increase the chance of mud or rock slides, particularly in areas with burn damage, Bollenbacher said. NWS is advising residents to be prepared to move to higher ground and pay close attention to the weather.
“Never drive through a flooded road,” Bollenbacher said.
The NWS measured half an inch of rain in Fresno from the most recent storm. The Clovis rain gauge measured .83 inches.
Because the service’s Merced rain gauge is in need of new batteries, no accurate measurements are available at this time. Bollenbacher said the gauge will likely be fixed Monday or Tuesday next week.
Showers are likely in Merced Saturday through Monday, the NWS reported.
A winter storm watch is in effect in the Sierra Nevada mountains for elevations over 7,000 feet. Up to 6 feet of snow may fall on the crest of the Sierras Saturday through Monday afternoon, with wind up to 50 mph.
NWS said drivers should prepare for road closures and extremely difficult travel. Check the Caltrans website for updated road information.
A wind advisory‘s in effect around the Kern County desert until 8 p.m. Friday. Up to 50 mph gusts are expected, with 44 mph gusts reported already, Bollenbacher said. Drivers are encouraged to go slowly.
This story was originally published November 29, 2019 at 2:46 PM.
