More rain drenches Modesto as authorities keep a close watch on rivers in the region
Modesto was struck by substantial rainfall Tuesday morning as a potent storm arrived, with the strongest impacts projected for Southern California.
Modesto could get up to a half inch of rain Tuesday. A wind advisory was in effect until 9 p.m., with gusts up to nearly 40 mph.
The rotating storm brought waves of moisture-laden clouds from the south across Modesto and the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
Emergency officials were keeping a watch on rivers, especially in southern San Joaquin County, where authorities were urging residents in the Airport Court area near Manteca and the Haven Acres Marina in Lathrop to evacuate.
The San Joaquin River at Vernalis was projected to stay around the 29.5 foot danger level through Saturday.
The colder storm system, lowering the late morning temperature to 48 degrees in Modesto, was expected to bring the snow level down to 4,000 feet in the Sierra Mountains.
The Tuolumne River level remained flat at 54.5 feet, just below the minor flood stage, and the San Joaquin River near Newman was around four feet below flood stage.
The Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services said evacuation orders and warnings for certain areas remained in effect.
Modesto received almost one third inch of rain from 2 a.m. to noon Tuesday. More rain and a thunderstorm were possible after 3 p.m., giving way to showers Tuesday night, possibly adding another quarter inch of rain.
The National Weather Service has predicted a chance of showers Wednesday and Wednesday night and then clearing Thursday. Mostly sunny weather is anticipated Friday and Saturday.
