California winter storms: Flood warning issued for Salinas

Sheyanne N Romero, Salinas Californian
·3 min read

A storm is expected to hit the Salinas Valley this week that could cause flooding, downed trees, and power outages.

The atmospheric river is forecasted to bring wind gusts of more than 50 mph in some areas in the Central Coast and heavy rains. Residents were warned by the National Weather Service not to "let your guard down."

"...it is worth noting that this system is different than the previous storm to impact the region, yet impacts will still be significant," National Weather Service officials stated in Wednesday's local forecast discussion.

A High Wind Warning was issued for Bay Area and Central Coast through Thursday morning. City officials are asking residents to be prepared.

Residents living in the area of 150 Kern Street were encouraged to be prepared for possible flooding and evacuations. All Salinas residents are urged to stay off the streets to avoid falling trees, power lines, and deep water.

Salinas Fire Department officials ask that residents to stay out of the way of emergency crews.

“This is a good time to stay inside and out of harm’s way” Fire Chief Samuel Klemek said.

Aerial drone are being used to monitor city waterways for the potential for flooding and to warn unsheltered residents living in unsafe locations. Police officers and homeless outreach staff are also working to get unhoused people into local shelters, ahead of the storm.

“This is shaping-up to be a significant strain on emergency services throughout the region” Klemek said. “Residents should plan for their short-term needs, especially those dependent on biomedical equipment, and stay tuned to local television or radio, official social media posts from local agencies, and the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services website for critical information.”

On Wednesday, power outages were reported throughout Salinas. Road closures were also issued for portion of Monterey County and Salinas: Alisal Road, Davis Road, Coast Road, Echo Valley Road, Elm Avenue and Hartnell Road.

This week's storm will be followed by another that is expected to last through the weekend and into early next week. That storm could bring more heavy rains and stronger winds, meteorologists say.

California declared a state of emergency Wednesday as the powerful storm generated 45-foot waves out at sea, dropped soaking rain on already saturated ground, and prompted warnings of floods and mudslides, knocking out power to more than 100,000 people.

Forecasts called for up to 10 inches of rain in some areas as the "bomb cyclone" – a storm intensified by a quick drop in atmospheric pressure – threatened to swamp the state.

Rivers and streams were rising to alarming levels, and authorities struggled to meet the demand for sandbags as residents scrambled to keep floodwaters out of homes.

Salinas resources

USA TODAY reporters contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Flood warning issued for Salinas