NORTH FORK — A torrential downpour this morning kept residents on edge as more rain created dangerous conditions for those traveling the roadways in a town that has already had some residents evacuated. County Roads and CHP officers were busy responding to reports of mudslides and flooded roadways, as Sheriff’s deputies continue to monitor water levels and notify residents in ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA – With a series of wet storms hitting Northern and Central California, now is the time to sign up for emergency alerts from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents are advised to do so now — it only takes a minute. In Madera County, MCAlert is used in the event of emergencies or natural disasters such as floods and severe weather, and ...

YOSEMITE — A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for all non-essential personnel for the Yosemite Valley as of 4 p.m. today, according to a notice issued by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. “This decision was made based on high projected water levels and the high likelihood of utility system failures,” states the notice. “The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is ...

MARIPOSA — The Sheriff’s Office is notifying Mariposa County residents that they can pick up sand and sandbags at two local Mariposa County Fire Stations. Locations are Mormon Bar Station 27 at 4621 Highway 49 South in Mariposa, and Don Pedro Station 24 located at 9729 Merced Falls Road, Don Pedro. Residents will need to bring their own shovel to ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park is making preparations for visitor and employee safety in response to weather reports predicting significant precipitation, and possible flooding, over the next several days and through the weekend. The predictions for significant rainfall in Yosemite Valley, well above flood stage on the Merced River, could prompt the park to be closed in the next few ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — A flash flood watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County Foothills from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford. Heavy rainfall is expected during this period resulting in rapid rises along small streams and rivers and the threat of flash flooding. Rainfall ...

MADERA COUNTY — Commuters and others will want to know that delays are expected for Wednesday, Dec. 28 on SR-41, as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled some traffic control to accommodate maintenance. Caltrans says traffic will be reduced to one lane on SR-41 between Road 208 and Road 406 during the daytime hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for paving ...

CALIFORNIA — As the season of festivities continues, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is encouraging motorists to resolve to begin the New Year with a safe celebration that includes a designated sober driver. Together, motorists and law enforcement can help make this holiday and every day safe for traveling on California roadways. The CHP will observe the New Year with ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – Anyone taking to the mountain highways over the weekend should avoid any unwanted delays by making sure there are traction devices in their vehicle. Chain control is now in place on Highway 41 about 3.5 miles north of Cedar Springs. The location could change as conditions warrant. Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drives with snow tires ...

MADERA COUNTY —  “Over ninety million dollars in property tax payments were collected and posted from the December tenth property tax deadline,” reports Tracy Kennedy, Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector. All payments were posted and balanced by Friday, Dec. 16. “That’s amazing, given that we had an extra day for taxpayers to make their payments on Monday, December 12th. All posted and ...