CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a wide area of the central and southern Sierra from 4 a.m. today through 4 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.
A strong and moist Pacific storm will bring widespread rain to much of the area Friday. Periods of moderate to heavy rain will lead to the possibility of flash flooding along the lower Sierra Nevada and Kern County mountains and desert.
The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for a portion of central California, including the following areas:
- Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno County Foothills
- Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon
- Southeastern Kern County Desert
- Tulare County Foothills
- Tulare County Mountains
- Indian Wells Valley
- Kern County Mountains
One to two inches of rainfall is expected over the Sierra below 7,000 feet, the Sierra foothills and the Kern County Mountains. The rain may be heavy at times.
The combination of already wet soils and moderate to heavy rain could lead to excessive runoff. Flooding of small streams and low water crossings will be possible.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The public is advised to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
