SIERRA FOOTHILLS — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a flash flood watch for Central California, including Madera, Mariposa and Fresno County foothills through Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 22.
This advisory is mainly for the Rim Fire and El Portal fire burn areas, but extends from Yosemite to Kings Canyon.
Heavy rain may cause areas of flooding and debris flows, especially in those areas recently denuded by fire.
Rainfall rates could exceed one-half inch per hour at times. The severely burned areas near Yosemite will be of particular concern. Those areas no longer absorb any rainfall, leading to enhanced runoff. Motorists are advised to be alert for possible road problems due to flooding and rock and debris flows.
“This could quickly become a dangerous situation,” says the alert. “Hunters, residents and persons traveling withing the Rim and El Portal burn areas should remain alert and take action should heavy rain develop.”
