Merced’s Bear Creek recedes, most schools resume classes, widespread flooding remains
A day after flooding, the waters of Merced’s Bear Creek receded to within its banks Wednesday morning.
The creek’s waters went beyond its banks early Tuesday morning after heavy rains, reaching a depth of 26 feet, which is 3 feet above flood stage. Water was cresting at just under 20 feet a day later.
Wednesday’s news came after days of heavy rainstorms pounded Merced County, causing massive flooding in many areas, particularly in the city of Merced and the community of Planada.
Another storm system is expected to move into the region by Friday, with the bulk of rain expected Saturday.
Brian Ochs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Vallley office in Hanford, said Merced is expected to see a quarter inch of rain Friday and three quarter inches of rain Saturday.
Och said Merced has seen 2.2 inches of rain since Jan. 9 and 4.56 inches for the month of January.
Many road closures on Wednesday remained in effect in Merced County due to flooding. Although the City of Merced lifted some evacuation orders late Tuesday, orders remain in effect in other parts of the city and in Planada.
Paddling through Merced streets to Walmart
Some residents like Michael Harrington, who lives off Willowbrook Drive near Highway 59 in Merced, are using boats to get around the flooded area.
Harrington, a 68-year-old disabled Vietnam War veteran, paddled a short distance in a one-man kayak to get over to Walmart in Merced.
“To me it’s kind of simple, because I am an old vet, so I have been doing this stuff all of my life,” Harrington said. “It doesn’t bother me, it’s just cold. But I can imagine people who are worse off than I am having a hard time.”
“It’s an inconvenience but you have to live with it. What can you do?” he added.
Evacuation orders in Planada
In Planada, the community of about 4,000 people 9 miles east of Merced, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media that while the waters have started to recede, residents are still ordered to stay out of flooded areas.
The severe flooding in Planada is the result of Miles Creek breaching its banks near the community, said Mike North, a spokesperson for Merced County.
Miles Creek, which originates in Mariposa County, flows west through Merced County, past Planada, before terminating downstream from Highway 99 at its junction with Owens Creek near Roduner Dam.
The flooding prompted the Merced County Sheriff’s Office to issue an evacuation order for the entire community of Planada.
Mike Jensen, a spokesperson for the Merced Irrigation District, said Miles Creek has been prone to flooding for years as it flows out of the Sierra foothills across the Valley floor.
“We’re looking at this unprecedented series of storms, and we have ground that’s already saturated,” Jensen said. He added that the creek not only spilled over its banks into Planada but also overflowed into one of the irrigation district’s canals, helping to funnel some of the water away. “There’s just too much water,” he said.
Schools reopen
Merced County Office of Education officials said classes in all school districts resumed Wednesday except McSwain Union Elementary School District, Planada Elementary School District and Le Grand High School District. Parents who have questions can visit mcoe.org/schools.
There were 232 people at the evacuation center at the Merced County Fairgrounds as of Wednesday morning, according to North, the Merced County spokesperson.
“A lot of people have been impacted in a significant way and we’re doing what we can to support them how we can,” North said.
“Some people have been coming and going as they find that they can stay with family or friends. We’ve had a large influx of people after the incidents in Planada and Merced.”
“There is still another storm system coming in. Right now we’re working on a plan to repopulate Planada. We’re working to fortify Miles Creek in Planada and we’re working with PGE and CSD (Community Service and Development) to return people to Planada.”
North said there is not a timeline yet to repopulate Planada, saying it’s in the planning stages.
North said supplies are in good shape at the fairgrounds evacuation center. Concerned residents can donate through the United Way.
Merced County Emergency Operations Center has established a flood hotline to assist residents impacted by the current storm system. The number to the hotline is 209-385-7563.
