Portions of Tulare County continue to flood, more rain on the way
Tulare County residents are paying close attention to dams in Porterville and Visalia, and their spillways, as rain saturates the state.
After some scatter showers Wednesday, dry weather will likely give rain-soaked Tulare County some relief. However, a strong storm system could bring "significant" rainfall again early next week.
"While area reservoirs and rivers remain high, there could be more heavy precipitation coming in just a few days," National Weather Service officials stated in the local forecast discussion.
On Tuesday, rain gauges in the Sierra Nevada and surrounding foothills show widespread 2 to 4 inch totals. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring Lake Kaweah and Lake Success to determine if and when water releases are needed.
While Lake Success has already used its spillways, Terminus Dam at Lake Kaweah could release water as early as Wednesday afternoon. Initial estimates were that water would be released Thursday morning.
The spillways serve as overflow into the rivers below leading into cities downstream.
“The dams are structurally sound,” Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said. “The spillways are doing what they were designed to do.”
The city of Visalia urged residents near canals and rivers to prepare for flooding. The city has provided thousands of sandbags to people.
Chances of Visalia flooding decrease
A change in water flow decreased the chance of flooding in most Visalia areas and no evacuations are anticipated, as of Wednesday.
The Terminus Dam is operating as expected and Lake Kaweah is not at capacity, according to city and dam officials.
"Seeing rain in Visalia is not what we're watching," Councilwoman Liz Wynn said. "We are actively monitoring the situation in the foothills and at Lake Kaweah. "We've seen record snowpacks this year, and while we enjoy the beautiful weather here that snow is melting up there."
Visalia residents should still prepare for some isolated flooding to occur around waterways. Localized flooding is also possible and is expected early Wednesday morning through the afternoon.
The city opened another sandbag location at Fire Station 55, located at 6921 W. Ferguson Ave. Sand and bags are available northeast from the station.
The 24-hour, self-serve sand station on Cain Street is still open to the public. Both locations will be staffed until 10 p.m. after that it will be self-served. Prefilled sandbags for the elderly and disabled are available at Station 54, located at 440 W. Ferguson Ave. The prefilled bags will be out side the facility until supplies last.
Evacuation orders issued in Porterville
An evacuation order is in place for all residences, businesses, and structures, on both sides of the Tule River. Water levels are rising in Success Lake to the point the water is running over the spillway at Schafer Dam.
"The situation has changed," Boudreaux said Tuesday night.
There are roughly 100 homes in the area.
"Deputies, as well as firemen, are going door-to-door at each of the houses so that we can contact as many people as we can," Boudreaux said. "We've been prepared for this. Now, the amount of water coming off the hillside is elevated and expedited the need for us to get out of the area."
The order includes the area from Schafer Dam, west on Avenue 146, to Road 284, south on Road 284 to the south side of the Tule River, from the south side of the Tule River to the Schafer Dam, and north along Schafer Dam to Avenue 146.
Highway 190, or the residents and businesses along Highway 190 from Road 284 to the Schafer Dam are not impacted.
Boudreaux urges people to stay clear and out of the river areas and to avoid getting near the waterways. There's already been a number of water rescues after people were swept away.
Never drive into flood waters, as they are deeper, colder and faster-moving than they appear
Do not operate electrical equipment in standing water
A planning team is in place at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center.
“This is what we train for and plan for,” Boudreaux said. “Please don’t be panicked, but use good judgement and use good caution. Listen to our warnings and understand that we’re going to be OK at the other end of the storm.”
For flood updates, visit the Tulare County Emergencies website at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/
Foothill communities declare state of emergencies
The cities Lindsay and Woodlake have declared local state of emergencies due to flooding. Drying centers are open in both cities, if needed.
"The city of Woodlake's public works, police and fire departments continue to prepare for upcoming rainstorms and potential additional snowmelt that could continue to overwhelm local streams, canals, stormwater lines and basins throughout the city," Mayor Rudy Mendoza stated.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following communities:
Cutler: Due to a levy break in the area of Road 124, south of Avenue 408, the order is for businesses and homes 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: Due to Yokohl Creek overflowing its’ banks, an order was issued 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.
Teviston: 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.
Three Rivers: 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. It's recommended all homes on North Fork Drive, north of the Bailey Bridge and all homes on South Fork Drive, south of the Connelly Bridge to Shelter in Place.
Springville: Areas 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.
Emergency Shelters for those in need of resources and information regarding the recent storms have been established at the following locations:
Exeter Veterans Memorial Building324 N. Kaweah Ave.
Porterville College Gym100 E. College Ave.
Dinuba Memorial Hall249 S. Alta Ave.
Residents who may need help evacuating can call 2-1-1 for assistance. If you are able, please evacuate your domestic animals with you.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Portions of Tulare County continue to flood, more rain on the way
