Update: Another Round Of Rain, Wind & Snow

SPD photo

A Flood Warning has been extended until 9 PM tonight (Saturday) for Mariposa County.

Flooding is already occurring from heavy rain that occurred earlier in the week. Flooding caused by other multiple causes also continues.

Flooding continues due to ongoing impacts, mainly due to heavy precipitation that accumulated earlier this week.

The flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or is occurring. Several structures are flooded and some sand bagging operations are continuing. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water.

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

An overall Flood Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Mother Lode, the Mariposa County foothills, the lower Sierra Nevada of Mariposa County, Yosemite Valley, and the northern and central San Joaquin Valley, from this morning (Saturday) until Sunday morning.

Flooding caused by the moderate to heavy excessive rainfall on wet soil, will continue to be possible. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

Additionally, a Wind Advisory will in effect for both the Mother Lode and the northern San Joaquin Valley, today (Saturday) from 7 AM until 6 PM.

South winds of fifteen to thirty mph are expected, with gusts ranging from forty to fifty mph.

Secure outdoor objects as gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Saturated soils will allow for trees to topple more easily during these winds.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Finally, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the west slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, until 10 PM Monday. A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for Yosemite National Park until 4 AM Tuesday.

Heavy snow is expected today (Saturday) into tonight and again Sunday night into Monday.

Snow levels will range from 5,000 to 6,000 feet today and eventually lower to 3,500 to 5,000 feet tonight. Snow levels will range from 3,500 to 4,000 by Monday night.

The first system will bring snowfall through tonight. There will be a lull period between the two systems during the day on Sunday when lighter snow accumulations expected. The second system will bring snowfall from Sunday night until Monday night.

The total snow accumulations above the 5,000 foot elevation, will range from two to six feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.

Winds could gust as high as 70 mph.

Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially Saturday and again Monday.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.