Merced to weather out biggest storm in recent years

7:45 FRIDAY STORM UPDATE:

The Merced area has received about 1.59 inches of rain since Thursday evening, and the Los Banos area has received 3.3 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Jim Andersen said the Merced area will likely see another quarter to half inch of rain by the end of the day. The storm system is expected to clear out by the evening, with scattered showers throughout Friday.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be clear, although another storm system is expected to move into the region Monday. Andersen said it’s still unknown how much rain Monday’s storm system will bring, although it’s not expected to be heavy as this week’s storm.

“(The rain) definitely helps, but we’re still not out of the drought," Andersen said.

More weather updates will follow throughout Frirday.

5 PM THURSDAY STORM UPDATE

Merced County and surrounding communities were on high alert Thursday, anticipating what meteorologists referred to as “one of the biggest storms to hit the area in the last five years.”

Weather officials expect the storm to total almost 2 inches of rain between Thursday night and Saturday morning in Merced – rainfall that’s much needed after three extremely dry years.

“We’ve been pretty dry, but this storm is packing a punch,” said Cindy Bean, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford.

Thursday afternoon Bean explained the storm was expected to extend from Washington and Oregon all the way to San Diego.

“It’s affecting a larger area,” she said, “and it’s bringing heavy rains, heavy snows in the Sierras and lots of winds.”

Areas such as Sacramento County and the Bay Area were “pounded” by rain on Thursday, Bean said. In Sacramento, a flood advisory was put into effect until late Thursday night.

Bean explained that the storm would only clip Merced County, but on-and-off showers with a chance of thunderstorms are expected to continue Friday.

In the Sierras, 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected in the high country, at about 8,000 feet of elevation. Snow is also possible in lower levels at about 6,000 feet.

Scott Gediman, a Yosemite National Park ranger and spokesman, said Yosemite Falls, as well as Cascade Falls and Bridalveil Fall, are still going strong from the last heavy rainfall. While rain is good news, snow is even better because it lasts longer, he said.

At this point, park officials do not have any major concerns. Gediman explained they are keeping an eye out for possible rock slides and mudflows in burn areas, such as in El Portal and some areas affected by the Rim fire. Gediman said roads to the park are open and clear, and he doesn’t expect that to change.

Those driving up to the mountains should take note of the winter storm alert, said Steven Lewis, a public information officer with the California Highway Patrol in Mariposa. Motorists should inspect their lights, windshield wipers and tires. Visitors should always carry chains, he added.

Lewis also reminded the public that the main source of collisions during intense weather is speed. Motorists should slow down for roadway conditions.

Jeremy Rahn, battalion chief and coordinator for the Office of Emergency Services in Merced County, said no substantial damages – only minor incidents with power lines and tree limbs due to high winds – had been reported in Merced as of Thursday afternoon.

The high winds have put many homeowners on high alert. Lisa Urena, an office manager at Econo Roofing, which serves Merced, Turlock and Modesto, said the employees have been swamped with calls this week.

She estimates this week the roofing company has averaged about 40 to 50 calls per day, while the norm is about 15 calls per day. Half of the callers have been residents taking precautionary measures before the storm. The other half are people who have already noticed leaks, Urena said.

Sand has also been stockpiled for Merced city and county residents to use, to help redirect stormwater and debris. Rahn estimates that more than 400 residents have visited the county sandbag locations established in fire stations in unincorporated areas.

City residents interested in sandbags should contact the Central Fire Station at 99 E. 16th St. The number to call is (209) 385-6891. The locations will be open 24 hours, seven days a week. Residents should bring their own shovels and bags.

In Los Banos, Police Chief Gary Brizzee has announced that sandbags will be available to the public on Wednesday and Thursday at the city’s public works yard at 1015 F St. from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“We always do this during any storm event,” Los Banos Public Works Director Mark Fachin said. “They’re always available for people to come and pick up. We do maximize it at eight bags per trip.”

This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Merced to weather out biggest storm in recent years."