VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — With an atmospheric river pushing through California and making its way toward the Central Valley, city employees, counties and local residents are gearing up for potential flooding to hit in time for the Holiday.
“It’s important, because this neighborhood does flood. So when it gets into the drainage system, all these streets can flood when there’s an atmospheric river. So that’s when it gets really bad,” says James Macrae, who has lived in Visalia since 1978.
He and his neighbors work year-round to prepare for storms and do their best to keep their yard tidy to help try and lessen the impact on the city’s drainage system.
“When we get a lot of rain in a short period of time, this whole area around all the corners overflows with water because the drainage is very old around here,” explains James.
Tulare County employees are also hard at work this week, hoping to get ahead of the storm and the holiday rush.
They are putting up warning signs and closing the western divide road that leads to the mountains because of anticipated snowfall.
“So we’re staging all those things now so we’re ready. But the goal, of course, is if we’re able to prepare appropriately, we want people to be home with their families. But if something happens, we’re absolutely ready to be here. That is our first priority is to keep our folks safe,” mentions Jennifer Fawkes, Tulare County Public Information Officer.
Drivers are encouraged to be cautious, especially in unincorporated communities without storm drains, because those roads are prone to flooding.
Officials are also asking residents to do their part in clearing out yard debris.
“When you are raking those leaves, preferably, you’re picking them up and you’re getting them in your green waste. If you’re not able to or it’s full, some of our trees have been very busy. Make sure you’re getting them away from those gutters, out of those storm drains so they can drain appropriately,” encourages Fawkes.
The county is encouraging drivers to always check the status of roads and weather before you head out.
If you see flooding that hasn’t cleared in more than 30 minutes, call your local city or county.
For road bridge information and road closures click here.
To report flooding or a road concern click here.
A list of sandbag locations can be found here.
Emergency preparedness tips can be found here.
For more information, or to head to Tulare County’s main webpage, click here.
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