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Roads Turn To Rivers In Fresno And Clovis

Roads Turn To Rivers In Fresno And Clovis

Motorists driving through northeast Fresno and Clovis almost needed boats to get around during Friday's storm. Fresno got more than an inch of rain. But KMPH Chief Meteorologist Kevan Ramer believes Clovis got nearly twice that much.

Willow Avenue south of Herndon looked more like a river than a street. The water was deep. It was almost up to the license plates on most cars. But it was a lot deeper a couple of miles away at Peach and Alluvial in Clovis.

Peach Avenue was no river, it was a lake. Geri Gardenhire got her car stuck. So did Ray Tjahjadi. "I said I did a very stupid thing today. What did you do? What happened was I didn't use my logic. I knew it was already flooded but I still kept going assuming that the flood is not deep enough."

Clovis Helps You Stay Dry In This Storm



This winter storm is bringing strong wind and prolonged periods of rain through the Clovis area.  Total rainfall is expected to reach one inch with the greatest intensity falling Friday.  In preparation, Clovis is reminding residents to take the following precautions:

• Keep battery powered flashlights and radios on-hand in case of power outages

• Clear your gutters and storm drains of any debris

• Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes first aid and essential medications; protective clothing; valuable documents in a waterproof container or plastic bag

• Never attempt to cross flooded areas on foot or in your vehicle; parents should be especially cautious with children who may want to play in or around storm drains where water moves particularly fast

• Be especially cautious at night when flooding conditions are more difficult to recognize

• Keep your vehicle fueled and ensure wiper blades are in good condition

Whipping Winds Topple Trees; Thousands Lose Power

Whipping Winds Topple Trees; Thousands Lose Power

The whipping winds caused problems for people living near tall trees and power lines.

Mother Nature huffed and puffed and blew down a 100-foot tree in Clovis.

It narrowly missed two apartments and a woman.

"I was about to come out the door, all I heard really was just a snap. And I saw the top of the tree coming down and it landed within feet of our doorstep," said Amanda Contreras, who is glad she didn't leave her house sooner.

"Had I been out here a minute earlier, I don't know. It was scary, you could hear it as it was breaking, it was really scary," said Contreras.

Wind toppled dozens of trees across the Valley, including a tree near McKinley and Hayes in West Fresno, which took power lines down with it.

It cut off electricity to hundreds of people, but fortunately not much damage.

"I saw a short circuit, a few flames, but that was it," said Peter Reynaga.

PG&E reported more than two dozen outages around the Valley.

How to Drive Safely in Fog

How to Drive Safely in Fog

The storm has moved out of the Valley, and now the fog has rolled in.

KMPH News viewer Devo sent in this photo of the fog in the South Valley. It was taken just before 7:30 a.m. Monday in southeast Visalia.

CHP officers say that when the weather changes, commuters need to change their driving habits.

When driving in thick fog, officials offer these tips to stay safe:

-Turn off radio and cell phone
-Slow down
-Remember to drive with lights on low beam
-Roll down your window slightly and listen for traffic

The CHP says that as many as 500 fog-related car crashes occur each year in the Central Valley.

Officials say that if you are involved in a fog-related accident, the best thing you can do is pull as far off the road as possible, turn off the lights, and move away from the car.

Click here
for more information related to these fog tips.

KMPH Camera at Cole Elementary Today

KMPH Camera at Cole Elementary Today

KMPH Chief Meteorologist Kevan Ramer is headed to Cole Elementary today at 1:30pm to talk about weather. It's part of his Kev's Class program. He will show those pictures tonight during his weather report on the KMPH 10 O'Clock News. 

Air Alert Today

Air Alert Today

Ozone is above acceptable levels today through the San Joaquin Valley. For that reason the Air Pollution Control District suggests all outdoor activity be limited for those with ozone susceptibility in the orange colored counties. Red means all outdoor activity should be cancelled for your health. Take Care!

Preps and caution with flooding

Preps and caution with flooding

With all of this rain, here are some flooding safety points. I’m including some pictures from our KMPH TV viewers from around our region to show you how serious this is.

  • Do not use generators indoors in case of a power outage. Dangerous carbon monoxide is produced. In addition be extremely careful with candles and keep them away from flammable products and do not leave them unattended
  • Have basic supplies to sustain independent comfortable living for 72 hours without power or utilities including  food, water, medicine and basic living necessities.
  • Citizens with access and functional needs should have their durable medical equipment charged and maintain contact with neighbors, friends and family. Likewise if you know of someone with access and functional needs check in on them
  • If traveling be sure you have a preparedness kit in your car in case you get stranded
  • Do NOT attempt any stream or water crossings in your vehicle.