Southern portions of Tulare report flooding due to Tule River levee breach

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
·4 min read
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Road closures like this one on Avenue 192 at Road 140 are common in south Tulare County. Flood warnings have been issued for many parts.
Road closures like this one on Avenue 192 at Road 140 are common in south Tulare County. Flood warnings have been issued for many parts.

Get the latest updates about flooding and evacuation warnings and orders in Tulare County, as well as information about shelters.

Update: 3 p.m. Friday

Tulare is experiencing flooding in the southern part of the city near Elk Bayou and the Lactalis/Kraft plant.

The levee on the north side of the North Branch of the Tule River, east of Highway 99, has been breached. The water is flowing west from the breach toward Highway 99 and G & J Heavy Hauling, according to city officials.

The city is not in direct threat of significant flooding, although localized flooding may occur.

Hosfield Drive near Elk Bayou is closed to traffic.

"Do not attempt to travel through these closed roads," city officials stated. "This is for your safety and the safety of first responders who might have to rescue you."

Original story

Erosion to the Tule River bank triggered additional evacuation orders in southeastern Tulare County.

On Thursday night, Porterville and Tulare County officials issued an evacuation order for all homes, businesses, and structures that are on the south side of Rio Vista Avenue with the addresses of 191 Rio Vista Avenue, 201 Rio Vista Avenue, 211 Rio Vista Avenue, 221 Rio Vista Avenue, 231 Rio Vista Avenue, 241 Rio Vista Avenue, and 245 Rio Vista Avenue.

The order requires all residents and visitors leave the area before the water causes unsafe conditions for homes and people in the area.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux also issued an evacuation order for homes, businesses and structures, north of the north branch of the Tule River to Avenue 192 and east of Highway 99 to Road 152 (Bliss Lane). Fifteen deputies went door to door to notify residents that they needed to leave.

More rain is in the forecast which will likely exacerbate flood conditions throughout the Central Valley. Light rain is expected on Sunday, but a "much stronger storm system" will impact the region Monday through Wednesday, according to National Weather Service.

Heavy rain and gusty winds are projected, with the brunt of the rainfall likely to hit Tuesday. Rainfall totals in the San Joaquin Valley will range from a half-inch across the western and southern portions to as much as 2 inches along the eastern region.

"This will bring more flooding potential as rivers, creeks and streams are running high and the ground remains saturated," National Weather Service officials stated.

Boudreaux urges people to stay clear and out of the river areas and to avoid getting near the waterways.

A prison crew fills and bags Friday, March 17, 2023 to repair parts of the levy along the Tule River before it splits at Road 192.
A prison crew fills and bags Friday, March 17, 2023 to repair parts of the levy along the Tule River before it splits at Road 192.

Additional evacuation information:

Alpaugh and Allensworth evacuation warning: Areas of Avenue 88, south on Highway 43 to Avenue 16, west on Avenue 16 to the east side of the Tulare/Kings County Line at Road 16, north to the Homeland Canal, northeast along the Homeland Canal to Highway 43.

To evacuate from these locations, please drive southbound on Highway 43 to Cecil Avenue, in Delano. Highway 43 northbound is closed due to flooding.

Teviston evacuation orders: Homes and businesses south of Avenue 84, south on Road 128/130 to Deer Creek, east along the north bank of Deer Creek to Road 140, north along Road 140 to Avenue 84, and west on Avenue 84 to Road 128, and all roads and avenues in between.

Cutler evacuation orders: Homes and businesses along Road 124, south of Avenue 408 down to Railroad Drive to Santa Fe Drive, which turns into Eddy, from Avenue 407 to Lee Road to Avenue 408. The road is closed at Road 124, south of Avenue 408.

Exeter evacuation orders: Homes and businesses along Highway 198, east of High Sierra Drive to Yokohl Drive in Exeter. Highway 198 is closed to eastbound traffic at Road 196. These evacuations orders are for residents and businesses along 198 at Road 217, Badger Hill Avenue, Avenue 295 and Eaton Road.

Three Rivers evacuation orders: Homes and businesses on North Fork Drive, south of the Baillie Bridge to Sierra Drive (Highway 198); All homes and businesses on South Fork Drive, north of Conley Bridge to Sierra Drive (Highway 198); All homes and businesses along the Middle Fork, Sierra Drive (Highway 198) to the National Park Boundary, including Mineral King Road.

All homes on North Fork Drive, north of the Bailey Bridge and all homes on South Fork Drive, south of the Connelly Bridge should shelter in place.

Springville evacuation order: Along the south bank of the Tule River; for the homes and businesses from the Lower Rio Vista east of Bridge Drive to east of Pleasant Oak Drive on Highway 190. This will include all roads, access roads and areas in between. Not included is Pleasant Oak Drive.

A prison crew fills and bags Friday, March 17, 2023 to repair parts of the levy along the Tule River before it splits at Road 192.
A prison crew fills and bags Friday, March 17, 2023 to repair parts of the levy along the Tule River before it splits at Road 192.

Shelter Information

Exeter Veterans Memorial Building

  • 234 N. Kaweah Ave. in Exeter

  • Open 24 hours

Porterville College Gym

  • 100 E. College Ave. in Porterville

  • Open 24 hours

Dinuba Memorial Hall (TEP)

  • 249 S. Alta Ave. in Dinuba

  • Open: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Flooding Tulare County Tulare River Tulare Porterville