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Flash Flood Watch For Sierra Foothills

CENTRAL SIERRA — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Sierra Nevada foothills including Mariposa, Madera, Tulare and Fresno County foothills, and Tulare County mountains, due to recent heavy rains combined with additional rainfall and possible snow melt expected.

The Flash Flood Watch will be in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, until 10 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22.

A Pacific storm will bring the threat of heavy rain to the mountains and foothill regions starting late tonight through Sunday night. Significant rises in water levels are possible along small streams and rivers with a threat of rock slides, mud slides and debris flow.

Moderate to locally heavy rain is expected between 1,000 and 5,000 feet. Additional precipitation is expected Saturday night and Sunday evening.

Periods of heavy rain are forecasted over the lower elevations of the Sierra foothills and Kern County mountains, with rainfall totals of 1 to 2.5 inches likely over the west to south-facing mountain slopes.

Snow levels are expected to rise Sunday afternoon, resulting in additional runoff from snow melt.

Landslides and rockslides are very common during intense rain events and could lead to road closures. Travel could be very difficult in some areas. Roads may be flooded or impassable. Avoid driving through unknown depths of water….”Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online