February 5, 2024 - Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that an atmospheric river event continues to impact California through Tuesday. This will spread heavy precipitation, potentially leading to urban and small stream flooding as well as possible mudslides. Expect rapidly deteriorating travel conditions.
A Flood Watch remains in effect by the National Weather Service due to excessive rainfall forecasted in the Sierra Nevada (below 5,000 feet) and adjacent foothills through Sunday night. Heavy rainfall in the San Joaquin Valley through Sunday night may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and low-lying areas.
We would like to reassure residents that officials are in the field frequently monitoring conditions, to include water levels of streams, creeks, and rivers (seen here, Cedar Valley Pond).
Due to the rapidly evolving nature of this weather system, we strongly encourage residents who may be in impacted areas to prepare NOW for potential changes.
What can residents do?
* First and foremost, it is critical that residents heed evacuation warnings from local officials. In the absence of an official notice, residents should pay attention to evolving conditions around their homes.
* Pay attention to official weather forecasts. https://www.weather.gov/hnx
* If you live in an urban area that may be impacted by flooding, sandbags are available to residents (must bring your own shovel). The full list is on website & Facebook.
One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for hazards is to sign up for emergency alerts from MCALERT:
- Go to www.mcalert.org to sign up for emergency alerts for your location
- Text your zip code to 888777 to sign up for alerts in your town
Emergency alerts are targeted to your location, and are a valuable tool officials use to communicate during critical incidents including natural disasters or hazards.
Video: Community Safety Message from Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue & Madera County Chief of Development Services Matt Treber - Atmospheric River Event Preparation.
View video here.
For an up to the minute evacuation map that shows evacuated areas and road closures in real time, please visit MaderaAware.com. It’s also where you can look up and familiarize yourself with your evacuation zone.
Anyone in need of assistance of any kind is asked to contact our 24/7 resource line at (559) 675-7770.
Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office
