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File photo, Willow Creek flooding 2017 (Gina Clugston)

Foothills Flood Watch, High Country Storm Warning

MOUNTAIN AREA — Rain and snow return to the foothills and high country as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Flood Watch for the foothills and a Storm Warning for the Sierra above 7,000 feet. A moisture-laden weather system arrives Tuesday and persists until Thursday, and then yet another system brings unsettled conditions Thursday night into at least Friday.

Flash Flood Watch

The NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and the Tulare County Mountains, including the towns of Bass Lake, Fish Camp, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona, from Tuesday morning, Mar. 5 through 4 a.m. Mar. 7.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, a very dangerous situation.

Heavy rainfall can be expected over much of the area through Wednesday night. The combination of rain and rapidly melting snow over the higher elevations of the Sierra will increase the threat of potentially serious flooding, especially at elevations below 7,000 feet and in burn scar areas.

Rising waters can be expected along many rivers and streams with the possibility of substantial flooding in the foothills — in addition to mud slides, rock slides, and debris flows.

Please monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Storm Warning above 7,000 feet

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, and the Tulare County Mountains above 7,000 feet, from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 5 through 4 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 7.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Heavy snow is expected above 7,000 feet, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet expected. Local amounts could reach as high as 3 feet at higher elevations, with winds gusting as high as 55 miles per hour.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

National Weather Service Winter Storm Warnings

National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisory

Ahwahnee

Bass Lake

Coarsegold

Fish Camp

Mariposa

North Fork

Oakhurst

O’Neals

Raymond

Wawona

National Weather Service forecast for Yosemite Valley

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online