New flooding concerns prompt more evacuation warnings in Madera County
FRESNO, California (KFSN) -- Anticipation for more rain led to more evacuation warnings in Madera County. Deputies have been working around the clock to alert families living by danger zones.
There's a flood warning in effect for Madera County through Saturday morning and sheriff's deputies have added even more evacuees to the list.
Deputies went door to door at Wildwood Mobile Home Park that sits along the San Joaquin River on Thursday. They say even after the storm passes, there is still flooding concerns.
Many of the lakes and dams are at capacity and need to be released. When the floodgates open at Friant Dam this weekend, there may be problems downstream. Neighbors were told to be prepared to evacuate.
Deputies are still stationed at mandatory evacuation sites in North Fork to monitor the flooding concerns. The water receded since Tuesday but is expected to rise quickly again.
Authorities have also issued a flood warning just south of Chowchilla for people near the Berenda Slough.
Madera County Sheriff's deputies say evacuation orders could go into effect at a moments notice as the flow of water into the slough will likely increase. The water receded a little yesterday, but more rain fell in the Valley overnight.
A pre-evacuation advisory is in place for the area of Highway 152 -- south to Avenue 18 1/2, between Robertson Boulevard and Road 16.
In Merced County , a stretch of Highway 59 is expected to remain closed through Monday due to flooding. The highway is a major artery for drivers traveling between Merced and Los Banos. It is closed from Sandy Mush to Dickenson Ferry Road. A detour is set up in the area.
