Here are the most notorious flood spots in Fresno, Clovis. Are crews ready for the storm?
Fresno and Clovis employees will be at the ready to respond to any flooding or downed trees as the area is expecting an exceptionally strong rain storm coming Sunday and Monday.
Fresno will have dozens of public works staff on-call over the weekend, and Clovis employees also volunteered to respond to storm-related issues, city officials said.
The National Weather Service predicts the storm is likely to bring one to two inches of rainfall to the San Joaquin Valley floor, and three to five feet of snow above 10,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Meteorologists said it could be the biggest storm Fresno’s seen in the last two years.
While some street flooding in particularly low areas is expected, Fresno and Clovis officials said the drainage system is in good shape and should be able to handle the storm.
City crews are most likely to respond to downed trees and branches and drains clogged from leaves and other debris.
In Fresno, areas that are prone to flooding include railroad underpasses at Shaw and Marks avenues, Fresno Street in downtown, and in Fig Garden on Van Ness and Wishon avenues near Gazebo Gardens.
Scott Mozier, Fresno’s public works director, said city crews already serviced and repaired pumps near those underpasses to make sure if water does build up, the pumps will work correctly to drain the water.
Other areas that lack infrastructure and have seen flooding in the past include areas in Highway City and Fowler Avenue in Clovis.
If streets do flood, Clovis Assistant Public Utilities Director Paul Armendariz said not to worry.
When to worry
“The streets are designed to convey water. If the street is full of water, that’s not unusual. That’s a normal occurrence,” he said. “The thing to remember is if that water’s not moving, if it’s now static, then that’s when they should call in and report that. That does indicate there could be a blockage or a problem.”
After a few particularly dry years, water levels in Fresno’s storm water basins are pretty low, meaning there’s capacity to add much more, said Brent Sunamoto, interim engineer for the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District.
“I think this upcoming rain is much needed, and we’re looking forward to getting some rain,” Sunamoto said. “we’re especially looking forward to get some more water in our basins. Having water in the basins is good because it helps recharge the groundwater aquifers.”
Most importantly, residents should remember to drive safely, Mozier said.
What to do: preparation, emergency
“Drive safe, allow, allow for plenty of time with the storm,” he said. “A great thing to prepare for the storm is just to clean up. Make sure that things are not getting in the way of storm water and where it needs to go.”
To report flooding or downed trees, Fresno residents can call the city’s nonemergency line, 311, and crews will be dispatched.
Self-fill sand bags are available to Clovis residents concerned about flooding. They can be picked up at the City Corporation Yard, 155 North Sunnyside Ave, across from Bicentennial Park. There is a limit of 10 per residence.
To report a problem such as a downed tree or flooded street, contact the Clovis Public Works Department at 559-324-2600.