Flash Flood Warning issued in Northern California, NWS says

(FOX40.COM) — According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento , a Flash Flood Warning was issued on Saturday in Northern California.

The warning was issued around 3:45 p.m. and is primarily for eastern El Dorado County. NWS said the warning will be in effect until 6:45 p.m.

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“The Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1 inch of rain has fallen and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area,” NWS said.

According to the NWS, a flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring . The weather event is described as a “sudden, violent flood” that can take minutes to hours to develop. “It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain,” the weather service said.

NWS added that the California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide on Highway 50 , just west of Strawberry, caused by the rain. According to Caltrans, the mudslide occurred around 3:30 p.m. on eastbound Highway 50. “Not affecting traffic, but crews responded to clean it up…No reported injuries but crews are still working due to lighter staffing on weekends,” Caltrans said.

“Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Twin Bridges and Sierra At Tahoe,” NWS said.

NWS also provided some precautions and preparedness actions for those near the warned area to help them stay safe, saying, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

The agency continued, “Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.”

Additionally, a flood advisory is in effect for Tuolumne County until about 7:30 p.m. NWS issued the advisory around 5:30 p.m., saying the rural areas of North Central Tuolumne County are expected to experience the highest level of flooding.

“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected…Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” NWS said. The weather service said campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks while the flood advisory is in effect.

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