Flash flood watch in effect for Sierra Nevada, Fresno and Tulare counties

A flash flood watch has been issued for the Sierra Nevada foothills and Fresno and Tulare counties, where evacuations were ordered on Sunday morning in the communities of Alpaugh and Allensworth.

The flood watch will be in effect from 11 a.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible over already saturated soil.

While areas in the San Joaquin Valley could see up to an inch of rain, the Sierra Nevada could see from 1 to 3 inches of rain at lower elevations and 6 to 12 inches of snow in some places, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.

In Fresno, one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch of rain is possible, falling mostly before 2 p.m. There is a 50% chance of rain after 8 p.m.

Monday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 62 degrees before a storm rolls in late Monday night and Tuesday.

An additional stretch of State Route 168 between Shaver Ranch and Lower Dogwood had been impacted by flood waters Sunday afternoon and Caltrans was setting up one-way traffic control.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is strongly discouraging non-essential travel to the area, and anyone leaving the area should expect traffic delays.

This story was originally published March 19, 2023 at 8:42 AM.