Sonora - The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services would like to inform Tuolumne County residents and visitors that the National Weather Service has posted a Flash Flood ‘Watch’ with very heavy rain over the Sierra Nevada and foothills of Central California Tuesday afternoon, October 13th through Wednesday morning, October 14th, 2009.
Moisture from the remnants of super typhoon Melor has the potential to produce a significant amount of precipitation for the interior of northern California Tuesday and Wednesday along with strong winds. Recent burn areas are especially susceptible to mud-slides and debris flow with the amount of precipitation that is expected. Foothill areas could see 3-4 inches and mountain areas up to 6+ inches. Winds of 25-35 mph are expected with gusts to 45 mph. Snow levels are high, at 7,500 feet Monday night before they rise dramatically to 9,000 by Tuesday.
Flash flooding and mudslides are a possibility in this past summer’s burn regions, such as the Mt. Knight fire area and the Big Meadow Fire area in the vicinity of Yosemite. Excessive amounts of rain of this magnitude may produce flooding in locations that normally do not flood during a normal early autumn rainfall.
How to Prepare
Tuolumne County residents and visitors are reminded to prepare for this storm by:
- Reducing or eliminating unnecessary travel during the storm period;
- Having emergency supplies on hand: sandbags in flood-prone zones, food/water, flashlights, battery-operated radio, live batteries, prescription medications, etc.;
- Checking in on neighbors who may have special needs – in advance of the storm;
- Readying for the potential of a power outages due to wind, downed trees, etc.;
- Removing debris from gutters and drainage areas; placing sandbags out before the storm arrives in flood-prone zones;
- Checking to insure pets/livestock are safe, especially those animal that may live outdoors; and
- Listening to your local radio stations (and TV stations) for changing weather conditions.
And, please use 911 only when it is vitally necessary.
Sandbag Resources
County Emergency Services, in conjunction with County Public Works has established locations for emergency sand to assist County citizens with mitigating flooding at their homes or businesses. County residents may pick up sand at the following locations* after 4 pm on Monday, October 12, 2009:
- Columbia Road Yard; North Airport Rd (near the Airport);
- Tuolumne City Fire Department; 18690 Main Street, Tuolumne; and
- Jamestown Road Yard; 7th Avenue, behind Jamestown Elementary.
* Please bring your own shovel and bags to fill.
The County has confirmed that there are amply supplies of empty sandbags for purchase at the following locations:
Twain Harte Hardware
Andy’s Hardware
J.S. West
Orchard Supply Hardware
Hurst Ranch Supply
County Fire, Cal Fire, Public Works, Safety and Law Enforcement personnel are currently on stand-by, preparing for this storm.
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