FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Central California is preparing for a series of storms this weekend, with AccuWeather alerts already in place and a flood watch issued for the Sierra foothills.
“As we get into Saturday and Sunday, we’re expecting another system that’ll be moving through our area that will bring another round of widespread precipitation,” said Stephen McCoy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford.
The flood watch runs from Friday evening through Monday afternoon, with excessive rainfall expected. Northern foothills could see more than 2 inches of rain over the next 72 hours.
Forecast accuracy is critical for Valley farmers, who are harvesting citrus and vegetable crops this time of year.
“Overall, we typically know at least a week out what’s coming and that puts us in a very good position for preparing for types of events,” said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.
Jacobsen said preparation includes pruning and roping trees during dry windows.
So far, the storms have been manageable.
“Based off how the series of storms have been coming in, they’re perfect amounts. I mean we’re not seeing widespread flooding and it’s allowing this ground to soak it up and most importantly, allow that snowpack to be built up in that Sierra Nevada there,” he said.
Snowpack levels are closely monitored to gauge water availability for cities and farms during dry periods.
The Department of Water Resources released data Tuesday showing a snow depth of 24 inches and snow water content of 5 inches, about 50% of the state average.
“The statewide snowpack is at 71% of average,” said Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, a hydrometeorologist with the department.
She added it is still too early to determine how much water will be available for the season.
Jacobsen said farmers remain hopeful.
“It’s an exciting time right now but its cautious optimism hoping that we’re going to continue to see these storms roll in,” he said.
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