OAKHURST -Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney is spreading the message of preparation for the mountain community. “I urge foothill and mountain residents to finish their storm preparation on Monday. As with any first storm of the season, check your chains, food, medication status, and heating source so that you are safe and able to enjoy any snow accumulation through Thanksgiving. The Sheriff’s Office will monitor conditions should the storm come in as predicted.”
The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday morning, through Thursday evening. The advisory states “heavy snow possible” and “accumulating snow possible as low as 1,500 feet by Thanksgiving Day morning”.
Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Squaw Valley, Auberry, North Fork, Mariposa, Springville, and Three Rivers are listed in the storm watch.
Temperatures will cool off beginning Tuesday. Some wind is expected and sunny skies should be returning on Friday, November 29th. Cooler temperatures appear to remain in the extended forecast.
The National Weather Service is advising the motoring public to be prepared for road closures and traffic delays. Impacts listed are, “slick, snow-covered roads and potentially dangerous and treacherous driving conditions. Significant reductions in visibility with downed trees and power outages are possible.”
Sand bags can be found in three mountain locations:
Madera County Fire Station #8, 47050 Road 417, Coarsegold. 559-683-8008
CAL Fire, Rancheria Fire Station, 53488 Road 200, North Fork. 559-877-2322
Madera County Fire Station #12, 48355 Liberty Drive, Oakhurst. 559-683-4808
The Sheriff’s Office advises residents can obtain both sand and bags at these locations, although you must bring your own shovel.
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