Reports: Evacuations ordered following levee breach in Northern California
As of 6:30 a.m. PST Tuesday, this reports story will no longer be updated.
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Just days after a storm walloped Southern California with powerful winds and heavy rain that triggered mudslides and sinkholes, a new storm is threatening central and Northern California with similar impacts.
Many rivers are at or above flood stage due to the parade of storms that have hit the state hard this winter. This latest storm will continue to spread a stream of moisture into the state through Tuesday, which could bring lengthy travel delays or even evacuations for residents who live near streams or rivers.
In the Sierra Nevada, 2 to 4 feet of snow will bury the highest elevations. The heavy snowfall could lead to a closure of Interstate 80 along Donner Pass. Chain controls were in effect on Monday as heavy snow was falling over the summit, according to the California Department of Transportation.
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As of 4:56 a.m. PST, here is a look at some of the powerful wind gusts that were measured overnight in the Sierra Nevada.
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The rain is slowing down, but occasional rain will continue to fall through Tuesday morning. However, river flooding will remain a concern due to runoff.
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A major storm wreaked havoc across much of Northern California, resulting in damaged roadways and traffic delays. Here, a chunk of road is missing from Mount Hamilton Road in Santa Clara. (Twitter/@SCCParks)
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According to Pacific Gas and Electric, over 5,000 customers are affected by power outages near Sunnyvale, California- outside of Palo Alto- around 11 p.m. PST.
The heaviest rain has pushed inland away from the city, but occasional rain and wind gusts past 40 mph will continue Tuesday morning.
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The levee breach on the San Joaquin River has been halted as of 8:45 p.m. PST, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The order, put in effect about 90 minutes prior, affected approximately 500 people in the area.
Work to stabilize the situation is reportedly ongoing. An evacuation center has been set up at the Lathrop Community Center in Lathrop, California.
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San Francisco International Airport is experiencing an average arrival delay of over one hour due to rain and wind across the region.
Wind gusts of 44 mph were reported at the airport at 9:00 p.m. PST. A 177 mph gust was reported on top of Squaw Peak in the central Sierras.
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Another crash was reported along I-80, this time in Nevada. As of approx. 8:40 p.m. PST, all lanes are blocked following a collision at Exit 5 near East Verdi.
Traffic is currently being diverted to the exit ramp.
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San Joaquin County has ordered an evacuation of the area southwest of Manteca following a levee breech on the San Joaquin River, according to officials.
The evacuation applies to the area east of the river between Woodard Road on the north side, Union Road to the east and Mortensen Road to the south.
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Interstate 80 westbound has been closed from the Nevada state line through Donner Pass due to multiple vehicle collisions.
Heavy snow continues to fall over the mountain pass so those planning to travel through the pass should expect major travel delays.
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Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for portions of Lakeport, California due to rising flood waters, city officials said in a statement.
Residents that live in the area under mandatory evacuation orders should collect important documents and medications and move to higher ground. The Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter for evacuees and their pets in a higher part of the town.
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As of 5 p.m. PST, over 35,000 electric customers are without power across Central and Northern California, according to PG&E.
The number of power outages across California may continue to rise heading into tonight as gusty winds blow across the state, potentially bringing down trees and power lines.
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The Don Pedro spillway has been opened to ensure that the water reservoir does not exceed its maximum capacity.
Part of Bonds Flat Road were cut out by crews before the spillway was opened to prevent debris from the road from flowing into the river. The road will be impassable until the spillway is closed and the road is repaired.
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Voluntary evacuation orders have been issued residents along the Cosumnes River.
The river is expected to reach flood stage this evening, peaking above 15 feet, more than 3 feet above flood stage.
“Areas previously flooded are likely to see a return of flooding,” Sacramento Office of Emergency Services said on Monday afternoon.
“Residents are strongly advised to take any precautionary actions they feel appropriate to protect themselves or property,” they added.
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San Francisco has received over an inch of rain today, officially making this water year wetter-than-normal in the city. This is also the wettest water year in San Francisco since October 2005 to September 2006.
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As of 1 p.m. PST, heavy rain was still falling across much of central and Northern California.
This rain falling across areas with extremely saturated ground due to previous storms was leading to some mud slides and debris flows across the state. As a result, officials have had to close multiple roads across the region.
A small slide and downed tree is blocking Highland Ave at Margarita Dr. in San Rafael, California. Only local traffic is being allowed. (Photo/CHP Marin)
Palomares Road in Castro Valley, California is completely impassable due to a slope failure. (Photo/Alameda County)
While rain falls across the lower elevations, heavy snow is piling up in the Sierra.
Over a foot of snow has been reported at some of the mountain passes and has lead to chain restrictions for places such as Donner Pass.
Heavy snow has also lead to a heightened risk of avalanches, forcing the closure of US 50 in California between Meyers and Twin Bridges.
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Due to the intensity of rain falling over central California, the Don Pedro Reservoir, located southeast of Sacramento, will have its controlled spillway gates opened at 12 p.m. PST today.
The spillway will be opened to avoid the reservoir from exceeding its maximum capacity of 830 feet. Those living downstream along the Tuolumne River should prepare for the water level of the river to rise when the spillway gates are opened.
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Weather and wind have delayed flights an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes arriving to San Francisco International Airport. Los Angeles International Airport is also experiencing weather delays of an average 59 minutes as of 10:05 a.m. PST.
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Several mudslides have already been reported as of 9:32 a.m. PST, according to the Santa Cruz and Marin County Sheriff's offices.
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Officials continued to repair damaged spillways at the Oroville Dam and reduce water levels at the lake. Officials also said they were confident the reservoir would be able to withstand this current storm, according to The Sacramento Bee.
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Heavy flooding continues across Northern California as spillways and rivers continue to be inundated by heavy rainfall.
Water raged over the spillway at the Anderson Reservoir in Morgan Hill, California on Monday, Feb. 20. (Instagram user/ryan_reese91)
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