MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Central Mariposa County in central California and Southeastern Tuolumne County in northern California until 5:15 p.m.
Doppler radar detected thunderstorms with very heavy rain over northwestern Mariposa county. This area of thunderstorms is moving eastward and will be within the Ferguson burn scar region by 4:30 pm PST.
Excessive rainfall over the Ferguson wildfire burn scar will result in debris flow moving down the slope. Debris flows can consist of mud, rocks, boulders, vegetation and other structures and loose materials within their path as they descend down a slope.
Some locations that will experience flooding include El Portal, Jerseydale and Crane Flat.
Move away from recently burned areas. Life-threatening flooding of creeks and roads is likely. The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas.
Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Special Weather Statement with a Significant Weather Advisory for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon for the Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno County Foothills to 3 p.m. this afternoon. At 4 p.m. another thunderstorm warning was issued for Mariposa County, in effect until 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, a Storm Warning remains in effect above 7,000 feet and a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect in the foothills.
Just before 2:30 p.m. Doppler radar was tracking a few strong thunderstorms near Yosemite South Entrance, moving northeast at 35 miles per hour.
Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms. Heavy rain will accompany these storms with possible flooding. As these storms enter the higher elevations above 7,000 feet they will likely bring heavy snow.
Locations impacted include Yosemite South Entrance, Oakhurst, Metcalf Gap, Mariposa Grove, Batterson, Green Mtn, Crane Valley Reservoir, Chilkoot Meadow, Fish Camp, Wawona, Ostrander Lake, Coarsegold, Graveyard Meadow, Bass Lake, Poison Ridge and Ahwahnee.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
National Weather Service Winter Storm Warnings
