Yosemite National Park closes all roads in and out of park amid fears of flooding

FRESNO, California (KFSN) -- Heavy rain pounded the ground at Yosemite National Park, leaving troubled spots surrounded by safety cones. Even raising concerns about possible flooding from the Merced River into the Yosemite Valley.

"Once the river goes above 10 feet then that triggers impacts such as water going over the road, it could impact vehicles, campgrounds, things like that," said Scott Gediman, Yosemite National Park.

Because of that park officials closed roads going in and out of the park at 5:00 p.m. Thursday. Hitting major areas like Highway 140 from El Portal to Big Oak Flat Road along Highway 120.

The closer left tourists like Bridget Moloney crushed. She and her friends traveled all the way from Australia to visit the popular landmark.

"It is a bit frustrating; there was a lot of things that we were not able to see that we have obviously come a long way to see."

But the road closures did not put a damper on business for some hotels. The manager at the Best Western in Oakhurst said they had about 10 extra check-ins from people trying to get a room for the night in hopes of getting up to Yosemite early Friday morning.

However, their next door neighbor was not so lucky. Outside of the three check-ins for the day, no one stopped by. That's one reason the manager is hoping this will be over soon. She knows the impact it can have on weekend travel.

"People, generally, if they here the weather is going to be bad they will cancel," said Janet Dandy, Oakhurst.

With the rain, park officials will be on the lookout for downed trees and falling rocks. Both become issues during major storms like this.

This is the first time in six years Yosemite National Park has had to close all major roads because of a storm.

Officials said they will go out Friday morning to re-evaluate the roads for reopening.

The roads being closed are:

- HWY 140 from El Portal to Yosemite Valley will be closed at Park Line in El Portal.

- Wawona Road (HWY 41 North) from Wawona to Yosemite Valley will be closed at Chinquapin (access to Yosemite West provided)

- Northside drive exiting Yosemite Valley will be closed at Yosemite Valley Lodge for outbound traffic

- Big Oak Flat Road/HWY 120 will be closed at the Foresta junction, no entrance to Yosemite Valley from highway 120.