Flood Warning For Calaveras & Western Tuolumne Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Urban Areas and Small Streams in Western Tuolumne County and all of Calaveras County until 4 PM Wednesday.

Area rivers and streams continue to rise in response to prolonged moderate to heavy rain that`s been occurring overnight and yesterday. Rain will continue today before decreasing tonight.

In the Mother Lode and the Sierra Nevada, an additional three to six inches of rain through tonight will result in flooding of rivers and streams, with possible debris flows near burn scars.

An additional inch or more of rain is likely in the Central Valley through tonight, with flooding of small streams and poor drainage areas.

Most areas will likely see peak flows on small rivers and streams occur this afternoon into this evening, but flows will remain high at least into Wednesday.

Anyone living near a small river or stream should closely monitor and evaluate their flood risk and prepare to evacuate if flood waters threaten.

Additionally, a Flood Watch remains in effect for the Sierra Nevada through Friday afternoon.

A Wind Advisory also remains in effect for the Mother Lode and the Northern San Joaquin Valley until noon today.

Winds of twenty to thirty mph will continue with gusts ranging from forty-five to fifty-five mph.

Some of the impacts include possible downed trees and power outages along with difficult driving conditions, especially for high profile vehicles.

Finally, a Winter Storm Warning continues in the Sierra Nevada until 10 PM this evening.

The heaviest snow is expected this morning with snow levels rising above 7,000 feet this afternoon and evening.

Additional snowfall accumulations of five to ten inches is likely above 6,500 feet before precipitation switches to rain this afternoon and evening.

Winds of twenty to forty mph will continue with gusts ranging from fifty to seventy mph through the passes.

A Winter Storm Warning means that severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Strong wind combined with heavy snow will make for white out conditions. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Those living in areas prone to flooding, should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

A Wind Advisory means that gusts up to forty mph or higher are possible. Winds this strong can cause property damage and make driving difficult.