Hanford, Calif. – A flood watch is in effect across much of central California from Thursday afternoon through Friday as heavy rainfall raises the threat of flooding in low-lying areas, creeks, and rivers.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, thunderstorms developing late Thursday into Friday could produce excessive rainfall, leading to runoff and localized flooding. The watch includes Fresno, Kings, Kern, and Tulare counties, stretching across the San Joaquin Valley and into surrounding foothill areas.
Cities under the alert include Bakersfield, Hanford, Fresno, Porterville, and Visalia. Drivers along Interstate 5 near Lost Hills, Highway 198, and other flood-prone corridors should be prepared for water-covered roads and reduced visibility. The weather service noted rainfall amounts could exceed three-quarters of an inch in some areas, with higher totals possible in thunderstorms.
Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should keep emergency kits ready, avoid driving through standing water, and monitor updates in case the watch escalates into a flood warning.
The flood watch is scheduled to remain in place through Friday afternoon, with drier, sunny weather expected to return by Saturday and continue into early next week.
Five Day Forecast for Hanford, CA:
- Thursday: High near 83, 40% chance of rain.
- Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, low around 68.
- Friday: Showers early, high near 82, tapering off by afternoon.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 87.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 88.
