The Madera County Sheriff’s Department declared a local state of emergency Wednesday due to worsening weather conditions. It also issued an evacuation warning for residents above Road 225 and Cascadel Road, near the Creek Fire burn scar area.
The county, which previously dealt with the Creek Fire, is now bracing for another potential natural disaster. National Weather Service Meteorologist Scott Row says flood warnings have been placed on Madera county as well as neighboring Fresno and Merced counties.
“There’s a potential, again because of the degree of heavy rainfall, that could result in flash flooding and debris flow,” Row said.
He said residents can prepare by following law enforcement recommendations and heeding evacuation orders if necessary.
“And just be weather ready and weather aware,” he added. “Have a plan in place in case you do have to leave at a moment's notice.”
As of Thursday, the Madera County Sheriff’s department had not issued any evacuation orders. In a Facebook post Sheriff Tyson Pogue said the local emergency was issued so that the county can request assistance from state and federal officials if needed.
In addition, the National Weather Service in Hanford has issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for poor drainage areas in place until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in Mariposa, Western Kern, Kings, Merced and Western Tulare counties.
A flood advisory means river or stream flows are elevated, or ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.