LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With forecasters becoming increasingly confident in predictions for a series of incoming heavy winter storms, a flood watch has been issued for a part of Lake County early next week.
The National Weather Service issued the flood watch, which is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, through 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11.
The agency is warning of the potential for widespread flooding during that time period, both in Lake County and across the region.
Forecasters said they expect flooding of streams and small rivers as the result of an atmospheric river – a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture – expected to arrive this weekend and bring with it a prolonged period of moderate to heavy rain, especially from Sunday through early Monday.
“Precipitation amounts this high have not been seen since December 2005,” the flood watch stated.
Rainfall in Lake County during the weekend storm is expected to range from 3 to 8 inches from Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
That intense rain, coupled with already saturated soils from the storms of the past few days, could lead to flooding, forecasters said. Areas impacted by recent wildland fires also could be very susceptible.
A second atmospheric river could also occur on Tuesday and into Wednesday, bringing several more inches of rain, forecasters said.
The specific Lake County forecast shows rain or chances of rain through Thursday, with particularly heavy showers expected on Saturday night, Sunday and Tuesday.
Area residents are urged to use caution when traveling, and to avoid attempting to drive on roadways that are covered by water, as it can lead to life-threatening situations.
For flood preparedness information, area residents are encouraged to visit https://www.ready.gov/floods .
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Flood watch issued for Lake County for early next week
- Elizabeth Larson
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