Active weather prompts preparedness efforts across the North Valley

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Spring storm brought periods of heavy rain to the North Valley, creating slick roads and hazardous driving conditions.

Rain fell heavily at times Tuesday, catching some residents off guard as weather conditions shifted throughout the day.

"It's not normal. One day it's hot and the next day it's raining and pouring," said Merced resident Jose Luis Mena.

The downpour led to wet roads across the region.

"The road is slick and your car will slide. We also ask if you're traveling on unfamiliar roads, that you take extra time," said Kate Woertman with the Madera County Sheriff's Office.

PG&E crews were seen along parts of M Street in Merced addressing possible power outages as the storm moved through. Merced County leaderls said no major problem areas had been identified but emphasized that teams were working proactively.

"We make sure our canals, creeks, our storm basins, everything is good to go throughout the year, not just before a storm hits," said Merced County spokesperson Mike North.

Officials said additional personnel can be brought in if weather conditions worsen.

"We do have the ability to call on some more people to make sure folks are safe and we're getting work done that needs to be done," North said.

In Madera County, the Sheriff's Office is paying close attention to the Mattie Fhy Road area, which remains vulnerable during heavy rain following past wildfires.

"There's a lack of trees that are holding the ground together. We look for mudslides, we look for possible sink areas that may collect a lot of water that may not look like it's a lot of water," Woertman said.

The Sheriff's Office is using sensors and cameras to monitor movement in the ground.

"Our Office of Emergency Services has sergeants and dedicated deputies that watch this on cameras. They watch them day in and day out to make sure everything is stable but at the first time of instability, they are going out there laying eyes on that," Woertman said.

While deputies say there is no current risk, authorities are urging residents to stay prepared, keep an emergency kit ready and sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed as weather conditions continue to change.

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