Storm moves into Merced County with rain and high winds. Highway 99 a mess
Update at 2:30 p.m.
The CHP is reporting some roadway flooding at North Winton Way and Doris Ave. in Winton. There are also reports of some flooding at V and 16th streets in Merced.
Update at 11:55 a.m.:
Highway 99 has been a mess this morning, with a number of incidents being reported on the CHP Merced computer-aided dispatch.
CHP suggests: Rain changes road conditions, and it should change how we drive. Take it slower, give yourself more space, and plan for the extra time needed to arrive safely.
Original story:
Rain and high winds have begun to hit the Merced area as a Christmas Eve storm sweeps through the San Joaquin Valley.
The National Weather Service in Hanford issued a warning Tuesday for the marginal risk for thunderstorms later in the day on Christmas Eve, which could see winds of 30-40 mph and comes with a low but potential chance of lightning.
The winds, which could also see gusts up to 60 mph, were forecast to be pronounced in Madera, Merced and Mariposa counties.
The California Highway Patrol in Merced said heavy rain is creating slick roadways and reduced visibility. The CHP has reported an increase in spinouts and traffic collisions across the area, according to a Facebook post.
In one case, a big-rig driver was unable to keep control of the truck’s trailer after heavy braking. The spinout occurred in Delhi.
The NWS Hanford updated its Christmas Day forecast on Wednesday. It calls for a thunderstorm after 7 a.m. and wind gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 100% chance of rain Thursday, and Merced County could see a quarter to half of an inch of rain.
The NWS Hanford issued a flood warning for Bear Creek earlier this week.
The storm is expected to clear by Saturday morning.
This story was originally published December 24, 2025 at 10:18 AM.
