Amid flood watch, sand bags available for Merced County residents, as rain pours on region
As rainfall is expected to carry into the weekend, Merced County officials say sand bags are available for those residents who need them.
The National Weather Service’s Hanford Office on Thursday tweeted that a flood watch will be in effect from 7 a.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Sunday from Merced County to Kern County.
The storms could cause localized flooding along some roadways and heavy flows along local waterways. Mountain travel is highly discouraged due to heavy snow and potential road closures, according to a Merced County news release.
Residents are asked to avoid flooded roads, remain clear of fast-moving creeks and rivers, and follow all emergency signage. When driving in the rain, always turn on your headlights.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday will be a 30% chance of rain with patchy fog during the day, increasing to 70% chance of rain at night.
Merced residents can be certain of rain Saturday, with the weather expected to clear up by New Year’s Day. Forecasters expect a 50% chance of rain returning by Monday.
Thus far this week, Merced has had about 1.04 inches of rain, and around .14 inches as of Thursday noon. Merced recorded 3.82 inches so far in December, according to the National Weather Service Office in Hanford.
Locations where residents can pick up sand bags:
Ballico Fire Station, 11284 Ballico Ave. (209) 634-1022
Cressey Fire Station, 9255 Cressey Way (209) 394-8211
Delhi Fire Station, 16056 Acacia St. (209) 634-5007
Dos Palos Y Fire Station, 8047 W. Dairy Lane (209) 387-4223
El Nido Fire Station, 10537 S. Hwy 59 (209) 722-8452
McKee Fire Station. 3360 N. McKee Rd. (209) 723-4510
McSwain Fire Station, 961 Gurr Rd and Hwy 140 (209) 384-7027
Merced County Public Works, 2165 W. Wardrobe Ave .(Thornton Road entrance) (209) 385-7601 (209) 385-5810 after hours
Planada Fire Station, 9234 E. Broadway (209) 382-0502
Santa Nella Fire Station, 29190 Centinella Rd. (209) 826-6339
Snelling Fire Station, 15974 Lewis St. (209) 563-6661
Stevinson Fire Station, 2738 Lander Ave. (209) 634-7086
Additional sandbag information and locations
City of Atwater, First St & Atwater Blvd (209) 777-0273
City of Dos Palos, 1817 General Ave. (209) 392-2176
City of Gustine, 440 4th Street (Gustine Corp Yard) (209) 854-6183
City of Livingston, Corner of Dwight Way & Walnut Avenue (Max Foster Sports Complex) (209) 394-8044
City of Los Banos, 1015 F St. (209) 827-7044
City of Merced Call For locations (209) 385-6891 or visit www.cityofmerced.org
This story was originally published December 29, 2022 at 1:00 PM.