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Winter Storm Warning And Flash Flood Watch

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service is reporting that heavy rain and gusty winds will develop over much of central and southern California by Monday, Jan. 7, which may result in debris flows and mudslides due to the recent wildfires.

Winter Storm Warning 

In Yosemite, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The Winter Storm Warning is for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite National Park to the Kern County Line.

Snow levels start out above 8,000 feet and are said to be lowering to 4,500 feet to 5,500 feet Tuesday afternoon. Heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow is anticipated in some areas. Total snow accumulations of up to 2 feet are likely above 7,000 feet with the potential for as much as 3 feet of new snow along the Sierra crest by Tuesday evening.

Significant reductions in visibility are possible and most roads in will have chain requirements.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Flash Flood Watch 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of central California, including the Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno County Foothills, Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, including the towns and cities of Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, Mariposa, North Fork, Oakhurst,  Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona.

The Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 through late 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, for the foothills and higher elevations of the Sierra. Rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches are expected in the watch area, which could result in flash flooding, mud and rock slides and debris flows.

Locations with the greatest threat of flooding will be in the vicinity of the Detwiler and Pier burn scars.

Residents should stay alert for rising waters and be prepared to move to higher ground if and when Flash Flood Warnings are issued. Many roads, especially secondary roads, could become flooded or impassable due to excessive runoff.

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

The National Weather Service says you should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

National Weather Service, Hanford

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online