Visalia prepares for flooding as Lake Kaweah reaches capacity
VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The City of Visalia is preparing for localized flooding as Lake Kaweah reached capacity on Thursday morning.
New data provided to the city of Visalia from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revealed Lake Kaweah has reached its capacity
Visalia Fire Chief Dan Griswold says the city is monitoring not only the Terminus Dam, but also St. John's River, Dry Creek, and Mill Creek.
"Know that if you are in or near those areas, you are going to see what that you haven't seen before or you could see water than you haven't seen before, and just make proper arrangements and be advised and be paying attention," explained Griswold.
Isabel Espinoza says water levels have been rising in a canal next to the business she works at in downtown Visalia.
"As you can see our business is right here so if it goes any higher on this side then that water is going to touch us," Espinoza said.
She says the canal next to the business is always empty.
"We've been in a drought for how many years now. All of a sudden, we have towns that are 3 feet in water. That's insane," said Espinoza.
While the city is optimistic, the chief says they are still doing everything they can to prepare.
Griswold says the analysis is not perfect and they are doing everything they can by utilizing every expert and thinking of every possible scenario.
"There's a lot of unknowns in this situation and it causes a lot of anxiety and stress and just know that your city officials and employees are working to provide you with the best information and planning as possible," Griswold explained. "We are working around the clock to prepare this city for whatever scenario that could come to us."
No evacuation warnings or orders are expected for the City of Visalia, but officials are reminding residents to remain vigilant.
The city will continue to inform residents through text alerts, social media or the emergency webpage.
For information on how to sign up for emergency alerts, click here.
