Flash Flood Watch Issued for Burn Scars of Northern California with Storms Approaching

In just a matter of a week, it seems like Northern California has transitioned from historic drought to extremely wet weather. The first major storm of the season hit earlier this week and a series of three upcoming storms has the burned areas of NorCal bracing for the potential of flash floods.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the areas of the Dixie Fire and North Complex Fire, including Highway 70, Greenville, Berry Creek, Feather Falls, Highway 162 South and Highway 89. It’s a fear that comes up every fall following a bad fire season, but these storms might be some of the worst we’ve seen this early in the fall in recent memory.

The Flash Flood Watch is in place for October 21 and 22, with the possibility of slides in burned areas including mud, rocks, vegetation and other loose materials. Residents in the listed areas should be prepared to evacuate if flash floods occur.

While this is the first time we’ve seen the possibility of flooding in burned areas this season, it certainly won’t be the last. Upcoming storms are expected to increase in intensity into next week, with a large amount of precipitation expected next week. While the rain is a welcomed sight, it’s certainly a lot to deal with this early.

From historic drought to flash floods… We just can’t catch a break.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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