Clearer skies are on the way to Tulare County
This week’s atmospheric river — the 12th storm here since late December — brought more rain and snow to an already drenched Tulare County.
Thursday afternoon brought light rains to the Central Valley, with snow of around 5,000 feet. Roughly a quarter-inch of rain was expected to fall in the foothills.
The unexpected siege of wet weather after years of drought also included February blizzards powered by arctic air. The storms have unleashed flooding, loaded mountains with so much snow that roofs have been crushed, and crews have struggled to keep highways clear of avalanches.
Even with spring officially starting this week, another storm system remains in the "extended forecast" for early to middle of next week that looks to bring additional rain and snowfall. That system is expected to bring "widespread rainfall and heavy snowfall for the Sierra Nevadas," National Weather Service officials stated.
Before the next round of storms, there will be a brief pause in forecasted rain that could help first responders with flood control efforts, which continue across the Central Valley.
Law enforcement officers urge drivers to travel with extreme caution and not attempt to travel through running water. Water may be deeper than it appears, creating a severe hazard to drivers throughout the County. Unseen dangers, such as sinkholes, culvert washouts, and debris, may be present beneath seemingly low water levels.
"Please do not go around barricades," sheriff's officials said. "This has been especially troublesome in the Allensworth/Alpaugh area, where car after car has gotten stuck, and drivers had to be rescued."
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Clearer skies are on the way to Tulare County
