News Flash

Posted on: April 20, 2023

Runoff to Create High Flows Along Merced County Waterways

Merced County OES Logo

With extended and heavy runoff expected from the existing Sierra snowpack, the Merced County Office of Emergency Services is advising the public of potential flooding along local waterways.

The primary areas of concern are along the San Joaquin and Merced ...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: April 4, 2023

Spring Snowpack Runoff Notice

Turquoise Water Flowing Rapidly Over Riverbed Stones

Due to recent storm events in early 2023, areas of Merced County have been inundated with flood waters.  Saturated soils and increased runoff anticipated from snowpack are expected to result in continued flooding potential as new storm events com...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 28, 2023

Disaster Recovery Center to Close, Relief Services Remain Available

Merced County Community Update

The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Sierra Building of the Merced County Fairgrounds is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, but resources and assistance will still be available for residents moving forward.

After the Disaster Re...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 15, 2023

Housing Solutions Provided to Residents that Sought Shelter at the Felix Torres Migrant Center

Merced County Community Update

Planada residents still displaced by the January flood events have been provided with housing plans. 

Merced County collaborated with its federal, state, and community partners to identify and develop the housing plans for families located at the ...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 10, 2023

Evacuation Warnings Issued by Sheriff for Newman, Stevinson

Dark Storm Clouds - Sheriff Evacuation Warning

Sheriff Vern Warnke has issued an additional evacuation warning for the Newman and Stevinson area near George Hatfield State Park, up to the Stanislaus County line. We are issuing this warning due to increased flow in the Merced and San Joaquin R...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 9, 2023

Evacuation Warnings Issued by Sheriff for Planada, Le Grand

Dark Storm Clouds - Sheriff Evacuation Warning

Out of an abundance of caution, Sheriff Vern Warnke is issuing evacuation warnings for the areas of Planada and Le Grand. At this time, the Army Corps of Engineers is predicting that Owens Creek and Mariposa Creek flood control dams will reach their maxim...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 9, 2023

Shelter Sites Established Ahead of Incoming Storms

Dark Clouds, Shelters Available

In preparation for the current storm system arriving tonight, the Merced County Emergency Operations Center established two mass sheltering sites.

The locations, listed below, will be available to any residents who are under either evacuation warnings or o...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: March 8, 2023

Atmospheric River to Bring Heavy Rainfall, Resources Available

Dark Rain Water Puddle

Late Thursday into Saturday, an atmospheric river will bring significant rainfall to Merced County and the neighboring foothills, resulting in the potential for flood events in the area.

Currently, forecasters are calling for up to three inches of rain in ...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: February 6, 2023

Debris Removal Resources Available for Flood-Impacted Residents

Grappler Disposal Truck Picking up Refuse

In order to help residents dispose of household debris and household items damaged because of the flood events, the Merced County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has contracted with a company for debris removal.

Beginning now through Feb. 12, 2023, resid...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: February 2, 2023

Post-Flood Calamity Information

Dark Rain Water Puddle

Anyone who has experienced property damage due to the recent storm events may qualify for a temporary reduction of property taxes under Revenue and Taxation Code 170.

Important Information:

  • An Application for Reassessment Calamity Claim Form must be filed w...
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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: February 1, 2023

Flood Recovery Resources Remain Available

Merced Fairgrounds Disaster Recovery Center

REMINDER: Resources are still available for those impacted by the January flood events. Due to current usage, some schedule changes will soon take effect at the Disaster Recovery Centers:

The Merced County Disaster Recovery Center will remain open from 8 a...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 15, 2023

Merced County Included in Presidential Major Disaster Declaration

The White House Washington Logo

It was announced this weekend that the White House approved California's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, an action that will help the County and State respond to ongoing storm impacts.

The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, whi...

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President Approves California Disaster Declaration 2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 12, 2023

Planada Evacuation Order Downgraded, Residents Able to Return Home

Update

With floodwater receding in the Planada area, Sheriff Vern Warnke has downgraded the Planada evacuation order to an evacuation warning and residents are now able to return to their homes.

Residents returning to Planada are advised to use caution when drivi...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 10, 2023

Merced County Opens Flood Hotline Amidst Increasing Storm Impacts

Close-Up of Womans Hands Holding Phone

The Merced County Emergency Operations Center rolled out a flood hotline today to help residents impacted by the current storm system.

The number to the hotline is (209) 385-7563.

The hotline will connect residents with resources such as: 

  • Sandbag i...
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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 10, 2023

Evacuation Order Issued by Sheriff for Community of Planada

Evacuation

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the community of Planada by Sheriff Vern Warnke due to flooding.

At the time of this release, the affected area includes the entire town of Planada.

Emergency personnel are making direct contact with more tha...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 9, 2023

Storm Brings Impacts Throughout Merced County, Evacuation Warnings Issued by Sheriff

Dark Storm Clouds - Sheriff Evacuation Warning

With the current storm system expected to bring up to three inches of rain in portions of the Central Valley, the Merced County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is anticipating additional weather impacts and evacuation warnings by order of the Sheriff.

Si...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 4, 2023

Merced County Proclaims Local Emergency Ahead of Storm System

Emergency

Following the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency, Merced County proclaimed a local emergency today as it prepares for potential storm impacts.

While no major flooding events have occurred yet in Merced County, the local emergency was proclaimed...

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2023 Flooding Archive
Posted on: January 4, 2023

Storm System to Bring More Rain, Emergency Operations Center Activating

Dark Rain Water Puddle

As weather forecasts show more rainfall for the Central Valley in the coming days, the Merced County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate as a precautionary measure. 

The EOC activation will allow the Merced County Office of Emergency S...

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2023 Flooding Archive