News Flash

Runoff to Create High Flows Along Merced County Waterways

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 ...

Spring Snowpack Runoff Notice

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...

Disaster Recovery Center to Close, Relief Services Remain Available

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...

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

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 ...

Evacuation Warnings Issued by Sheriff for Newman, Stevinson

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...

Evacuation Warnings Issued by Sheriff for Planada, Le Grand

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...

Shelter Sites Established Ahead of Incoming Storms

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...

Atmospheric River to Bring Heavy Rainfall, Resources Available

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 ...

Debris Removal Resources Available for Flood-Impacted Residents

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...

Post-Flood Calamity Information

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...

Flood Recovery Resources Remain Available

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...

Merced County Included in Presidential Major Disaster Declaration

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...

Planada Evacuation Order Downgraded, Residents Able to Return Home

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...

Merced County Opens Flood Hotline Amidst Increasing Storm Impacts

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...

Evacuation Order Issued by Sheriff for Community of Planada

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...

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

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...

Merced County Proclaims Local Emergency Ahead of Storm System

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...

Storm System to Bring More Rain, Emergency Operations Center Activating

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...