5:40 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has canceled its tornado warning for Tulare County. Officials will continue to monitor the cell affiliated with the warning.
A special weather statement has now been issued for Woodlake, Three Rivers and Lindcove until 6 p.m. Residents may see winds up to 40 mph as well as pea-sized hail. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure, officials warn.
5 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for portions of Tulare County including Woodlake, Lemon Cove and Lindcove.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Woodlake, 11 miles northeast of Visalia, moving east at 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
"Rotation has been spotted on radar and by a spotter in Tulare County," the warning reads. "Take shelter indoors now."
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter, National Weather Service officials stated. Mobile homes can also be damaged or destroyed, and tree damage is likely.
The warning is in effect until 5:45 p.m.
Original story: Flood evacuation warnings were issued for portions of the Kings River Monday night as water levels continue to rise, and more rain is in the forecast.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux issued an evacuation warning for residents and businesses within a quarter mile of the Kings River, from the Fresno County to Kings County lines.
Flood warnings are in effect until noon. People living in flood prone areas should be prepared to "take action," National Weather Service officials stated.
An emergency shelter is available at Tulare's International Agri-Center, located at 4500 S. Laspina St. Those in need of a place to stay can enter through Gate D and follow the lights to Gate 16 on the Agri-Center grounds.
People who may need help evacuating can call 2-1-1 for assistance or 911 in emergencies. If residents are able, they are encouraged to take their domestic animals with them. Tulare County Animal Services is available to help at the emergency shelter in Tulare.
In June 2017, more than 300 people were evacuated from Riverland Resort after the Kings River flooded. High temperatures caused an increase in snowmelt, which prompted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to increase water releases at Pine Flat Dam. The river rose 25 feet in less than a day.
Also on Monday, California Highway Patrol reported flooding at Kaweah River Drive and North Fork, as well as at Bailey Bridge.
Road closures are in place at the following locations:
- North Fork from the North Fork Bridge to approximately mile marker 2.5
- Dry Creek/State Route 216 to Stage Coach Drive
- Lower Globe south of Highway 190
- A196 between Road 232 and Road 236
- Conley Bridge on South Fork Drive
"Due to the incoming rain and snow storms, [Boudreaux] wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone to practice extra caution while driving. The roads are very slippery and you need to give yourself extra time to get to your destination," sheriff's officials post on social media.
Portions of east Orosi also experienced flooding. Tulare County deputies and firefighters are monitoring the impacted areas near Avenue 428 and Road 136.
Along with heavy rainfall, lightening and winds in excess of 40 mph were reported throughout the Central Valley Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday morning, two people died and others were injured when a large tree fell from the center divider between northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 99, just north of Betty Drive. The tree may have been struck by lightning, according to sources. Multiple vehicles, including a big rig and a motorcycle, collided with the tree and each other.
Multiple areas throughout Central California reported daily rainfall records on Monday, according to preliminary information provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information:
- Merced received 1.80 inches of rain. The old record was 0.8 inches, set in 1907.
- Fresno received 1.53 inches of rain. The old record was .57 inches, set in 1930.
- Hanford received 1.30 inches of rain. The old record was 0.82 inches, set in 1979.
- Bakersfield received 0.75 inches of rain. The old record was 0.75 inches, set in 2018.
TheNational Weather Service predicted10 to 20 inches of snow for the greater Lake Tahoe area through Tuesday evening, and the numbers would rise to 18 to 36 inches above 7,000 feet. The service warnedagainst traveling in the area, telling motorists, "You could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours.''
Miles of Sierra Nevada highways were subject to chain requirements and closures because ofwhiteout conditions. The Eastern Sierra’s Mammoth Mountain ski resort reported 4½ to 5½ feet of snow, andmore was expected.
If visitors and residents are able, they should also avoid areas that are receiving a lot of snow. If they do have to travel in snowy areas, they should drive slow, have headlights on, carry chains and warm clothing and let someone know where they’re going.
Although drierweatherisexpected on Wednesday andThursday, another storm system willmoveintothe areabytheendoftheweek.
Tulare County is not the only California county hard-hit by the recent series of winter storms.
Thousands of Californiansfled their homesand the death toll from the wave of devastating storms rose to at least 14 since last week as the latest "atmospheric river" slammed a wide swath of the state with gale-forcewinds and more than a foot of rain.
USA Today reporters contributed to this report.
