FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Fresno underpass near Shields and Wishon avenues remained closed Wednesday after heavy rain flooded the area, leaving standing water and debris that posed a hazard to drivers.
Traffic cones diverted vehicles away from the underpass early in the morning as water pooled beneath it.
Fresno resident Jason Valdez said he didn’t realize how deep the water was until his car got stuck.
“Just came in and didn’t realize until after the fact of how flooded it was. Started coming up the underpass and got about 7-8ths of the way and then just got stuck,” Valdez said.
He added that the poorly lit area made it hard to see the water.
After several attempts to restart his car, Valdez and his friends concluded the engine may have been ruined.
Still, Valdez said the mishap wouldn’t spoil his holiday plans.
“I’m excited to spend the day with my family and we got some Prime Rib rolling and we’re gonna go eat, so, can’t complain, could be worst,” he said.
City officials said the underpass will stay closed through the storm out of caution.
They did not anticipate flooding but said the rain fell faster and harder than expected.
“We have had really heavy, intense downpour throughout the night, throughout the morning, into today, and we’ve had a lot of water on the ground,” said Brian Russell, assistant director of public works.
Russell said the city’s flood control system is functioning and ponding basins are ready to handle overflow.
He urged residents to clear leaves and debris from yards to prevent clogged drains and roadway flooding as the storm continues through the holiday.
City officials are reminding people, if you see any hazards out on the road, you can use the FresGO app or call 311 to report them.
For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.