Storm watch in full swing in Merced County, with heavy rains expected. Here’s the latest

Whether its watching the rising water levels on area creeks, or keeping an eye out for downed power lines and trees, local officials say they are being extra vigilant amid a rainstorm that’s expected to hit Merced by Wednesday evening and continue through Thursday.

The coming storm prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday morning. “This proclamation will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support locals in their ongoing response,” the governor’s office wrote in a tweet just after 11 a.m.

“We anticipate that this may be one of the most challenging and impactful series of storms to touch down in California in the last five years,” Nancy Ward, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said during a Wednesday morning news conference.

“If the storm materializes as we anticipate, we could see widespread flooding, mudslides and power outages in many communities.”

As National Weather Service forecasters expect the storm to drop between and inch and a half to 2 inches of rain, local officials activated the Merced County Emergency Operations Center as a precautionary measure, to help coordinate with cities, local irrigation districts, and other agencies, according to a news release.

While much of the Merced weather was cloudy and breezy Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service expects a cold front to move into the area by 10 p.m., bringing winds and heavy rain that will continue for eight to 10 hours.

Forecasters expect some breaks in the rain Thursday, with thunderstorms expected around midday into the afternoon, with possible hail and cold air funnel clouds.

In terms of flooding, Highway 59 just south of Merced remains closed between Sandy Mush and Reilly roads. Jeff Barlow, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, said officials are being particularly watchful of local creeks.

Barlow said Merced’s Bear Creek is already at a depth of 6.9 feet where it crosses McKee Road. That depth is expected to more than double to 17.5 feet Thursday, and 18.9 feet by Friday.

When the creek rises to 23 feet, it’s considered at flood stage. Officials expect the creek waters to subside to around 16.6 feet by Saturday. “It’s going to be close. That area has a tendency to flood,” Barlow said.

Officials are advising residents to stay away from creeks, as those areas can be particularly dangerous due to the depth and rushing waters.

The storms could cause localized flooding along some roadways and heavy flows along local waterways. Mountain travel is highly discouraged due to heavy snow and potential road closures, according to a Merced County news release.

PG&E is asking residents to avoided downed trees and power lines. Residents should assume all wires are energized and extremely dangerous. “Don’t touch or try to move it—keep children and animals away,” PG&E spokesperson Denny Boyles tweeted. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

Locations where residents can pick up sand bags:

Ballico Fire Station, 11284 Ballico Ave. (209) 634-1022

Cressey Fire Station, 9255 Cressey Way (209) 394-8211

Delhi Fire Station, 16056 Acacia St. (209) 634-5007

Dos Palos Y Fire Station, 8047 W. Dairy Lane (209) 387-4223

El Nido Fire Station, 10537 S. Hwy 59 (209) 722-8452

McKee Fire Station. 3360 N. McKee Rd. (209) 723-4510

McSwain Fire Station, 961 Gurr Rd and Hwy 140 (209) 384-7027

Merced County Public Works, 2165 W. Wardrobe Ave .(Thornton Road entrance) (209) 385-7601 (209) 385-5810 after hours

Planada Fire Station, 9234 E. Broadway (209) 382-0502

Santa Nella Fire Station, 29190 Centinella Rd. (209) 826-6339

Snelling Fire Station, 15974 Lewis St. (209) 563-6661

Stevinson Fire Station, 2738 Lander Ave. (209) 634-7086

Additional sandbag information and locations

City of Atwater, First St & Atwater Blvd (209) 777-0273

City of Dos Palos, 1817 General Ave. (209) 392-2176

City of Gustine, 440 4th Street (Gustine Corp Yard) (209) 854-6183

City of Livingston, Corner of Dwight Way & Walnut Avenue (Max Foster Sports Complex) (209) 394-8044

City of Los Banos, 1015 F St. (209) 827-7044

City of Merced Call For locations (209) 385-6891 or visit www.cityofmerced.org