‘We will get through this,’ vows Madera County sheriff as flooding storm hits Valley

Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue on Thursday morning warned residents of areas that face a high probability of flooding from a massive, rapidly approaching storm to “be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

“If you need additional time due to medical conditions or other reasons, you should consider leaving now,” Pogue added.

Pogue made the remarks at an emergency meeting called at the county sheriff headquarters, where he was joined by CalFire representatives, county supervisors and other officials.

“You can help by being self-sufficient and staying away from flooded areas,” the sheriff added.

“We will get through this,” he promised.

“Madera County is stronger than any storm and we will meet the challenge together.”

David Rogers, chairman of the Madera County Board of Supervisors, added:

The rope of many strands is not easily broken and we have a very strong union in this county.”

County residents can go to ReadyMadera.com for details on flood preparation, including locations to get sandbags, maps of likely flood locations, a status evacuation map, and information about capacity of area lakes and reservoirs, along with an interactive evacuation map.

Residents were also urged to sign up for the county’s emergency alert program.