INCIDENT SUMMARY

More than one week ago, several adverse snow storms dumped over portions of the State of California, impacting its mountainous communities the worst. As of today, the storm’s wake of damage and snow accumulations has impacted 34 counties, prompting a State of Emergency response to continuing into its second week.

Now, they are expectations of some major flooding, and members of the swift water rescue units are starting to be moved into positions for rescues and other assistance as needed.

Along with in times of dire need in keeping warm, those are using heaters as a source of warmth but there are dangers in using these. Please stay fire safe or you can have fires like this.

Other major adverse (storms) are also impacting Hawaii, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Nevada.

(Left) Structure fire. Photo Credit: CAL FIRE PIO

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Governor’s Office

The Governor’s Office has extended the number of Counties impacted by the adverse weather conditions and has now added additional Counties to the State Declaration which include:

  • Butte
  • El Dorado
  • Fresno
  • Humboldt
  • Imperial
  • Inyo
  • Lakie
  • Mendocino
  • Merced
  • Monterey
  • Napa
  • Placer
  • Plumas
  • Sacramento
  • San Francisco
  • San Mateo
  • Santa Clara
  • Santa Cruz
  • Stanislaus
  • Tuolumne
  • Yuba

The original State of Emergency declaration by the Governor last week included those in these Counties:

  • Amador
  • Kern
  • Los Angeles
  • Madera
  • Mariposa
  • Mono
  • Nevada
  • San Bernardino
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Santa Barbara
  • Sierra
  • Sonoma
  • Tulare

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

San Diego Fire Department

Six firefighters who are highly trained and experienced with the SDFD have been requested through the State (CA-OES) today. They were dispatched to the Bishop area to assist the hard-hit area. | Photo Credit: SDFD

Roadway Closures

Caltrans District 7 closed several roads due to heavy snow and roadways instability.

  • SR 2 closed from Mt. Wilson Rd to Big Pines Highway.
  • SR 39 closed starting at the San Gabriel River Bridge in Azusa.
  • SR 33 closed from Matillija Hot Springs Road to Lockwood Valley Road.

Photo Credit | Caltrans District 7

Feeding Livestock

CAL FIRE firefighters are reporting farmers in Humboldt County are losing cattle due to starvation because of being snowed in. The roads are inaccessible and they can’t bring in the feed they need. Some other agencies depict where they are dropping hay into fields for livestock and images of rescuing snowed-in horses. Things are dire not only for the humans but their livestock too. The humans are doing everything they can to try to save them.

The 4-Legged Kind

The force is definitely with firefighters with CAL FIRE, CA Corrections, and the CA National Guard as they rescue those who have been left behind.

They would like to remind owners to remember “all” of their furry friends, including horses and other livestock when having to evacuate.

Photo Credit (Above) | CAL FIRE

Congregate Shelter Operations

There are currently several congregate shelters in various locations:

  • Butte County
  • San Bernardino
  • Nevada
  • Stanislaus

About 69 total residents are currently being housed in these temporary locations and more are encouraged to visit if you and your family are in need of warmth, food, shelter, and basic necessities.

Shelter information and details can be found at https://news.caloes.ca.gov/shelters-available-for-residents-impacted-by-winter-storms-03-09-23/

IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

“Residents in Crestline, California, have branded a lack of snow-clearing in their town a “disaster,” as local media reported homeowners have been trapped behind towering snowdrifts after recent winter storms.” – News Media

Northstar California Resort

The Resort released a statement in how they will be closed on Friday, March 10th, as an atmospheric river is heading their way early Thursday afternoon through Sunday. This is expected to be a mixture of rain and wet, heavy snow along with high winds. This presents challenges to their resort staffing and to deteriorating area conditions, including mudslides, downed trees, ice buildup, and flooding.

City of Belmont

The Public Works and the Police Department have closed the intersection at Harbor Blvd and Old County as of Thursday at 1600 hours, in anticipation of the impending new winter storm heading their way.

City of Galt

They are also expecting the same atmospheric river storm which they are expecting it to impact their communities for the next four-to-five days. An expectation of up to three inches of precipitation has been forecasted for Friday and Saturday, with creeks and channels to run extremely high and fast. Public Works Department – 209-366-72604 or After hours non-emergency line is 209-366-7000.

We will try to update each community being impacted by the snow, rain, flooding and other incidents impacting the State of California as quickly as possible.

We recommend you check back with us to see if we have posted updates.

Have tips? Please email us at nwfireblog@outlook.com

Stay safe, friends.

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