Showers bring flooding and accidents throughout Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Heavy rainfall slowed down the Monday morning commute in the Valley and created hazardous conditions for some drivers.

"I came in, and I found out that my classes were canceled because of flooding in the building. The two rooms that I use are off limits, so there are no classes being held on that floor today," said Rick Stewart, Biology Instructor at Fresno City College.

Students at Fresno City College were notified with signage that classes would not be held on the lower level of the Science Building on Monday due to flooding, with no exact time frame on when classes would resume.

"We need the rain. We just don't want it in the building," explained Stewart.

Downpours started in Merced and swept through the Valley, and familiar problem spots in Fresno that are no friend to the rain were slowing down the morning commute.

"In terms of problem areas, the only one that came up this morning in terms of flooding was Bullard and West," said Scott Mozier, Public Works Director of Fresno.

The intersection of Bullard and West Avenues is a known area for flooding due to excessive pine needles clogging drains, a problem that crews were able to get a handle on quickly and are working hard to prevent.

"We thought we had that addressed from the prior storm, but the pine trees in the area have simply dropped a lot of needles," said Mozier.

As for the next storm, preparations are already underway.

"We're working in partnership with the Flood Control District just to make sure that the water levels in the storm basins have plenty of capacity and that we are able to be ready for that next storm," added Mozier.

Officials are asking people to lend a hand by picking up fallen pine needles, leaves, or whatever it is to prevent drains from clogging.

If you see flooding or any road issues in Fresno, call 311 or report it to the FresGO app.

If you see flooding or any road issues in Fresno, call 311 or report it to the FresGO app.

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