Merced police receive hundreds of calls for downed and falling trees on Monday

A wind storm knocked down trees and several power lines Monday after throughout Merced County, leaving no shortage of vegetation in the streets the following morning.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Hanford said Castle Airport in the Atwater area reported winds up to 46 mph, while the Merced Regional Airport reported winds up to 45 mph.

Elsewhere in the county, Los Banos reported winds up to 38 mph, downtown Merced reported wind up to 39 mph, while the San Luis Reservoir area reported winds up to 37 mph.

To put that in context, the typical wind speeds for the Valley around this time are 2 to 6 mph, with the strongest wind gusts at 8 mph. “We are not a windy area by any stretch of the imagination,” said NWS meteorologist Colin McKellar.

McKellar said winds are expected to die down significantly after Tuesday. High temperatures are expected to reach the near 80s by Friday, with temperatures in the low 80s over the weekend.

Merced Police Department dispatch on Monday received hundreds of calls reporting downed trees and power lines in the city due to the high winds, according to Lt. Dan Dabney.

According to police, no injuries were reported due to downed trees but Monday’s windy conditions, debris and dust were a factor contributing to collisions in the city — some of which involved injuries.

As the weather changes, motorists need to be cognizant of roadway conditions, slowing down to keep plenty of space between vehicles, according to Dabney. Motorists are advised to not drive any faster than conditions allow.

Dabney said anyone who encounters a downed tree should call public works at 209-385-6800.

Anyone who sees a downed power line is advised to stay away and call Merced police.

Dispatchers can contact the Fire Department as well as Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to respond to the incident.

This story was originally published October 11, 2021 at 7:37 PM.