MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) — Skyview 30 shows the calm before the storm as Merced braces for heavy rain in the coming days.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service said there’s a small chance Bear Creek near McKee Road could see flooding by Thursday night.<\/p>\n
City leaders say they’re not taking any risks.<\/p>\n
“Forecast can change. Weather can change. A cell could come over us and stay on top of us and provide some additional precipitation that we didn’t anticipate,” said Merced City Fire Chief Casey Wilson.<\/p>\n
As crews work to clear debris, Wilson encourages people to prepare their homes for the heavy downpour.<\/p>\n
“You just kinda wanna go through and do some house cleaning, prep those gutters, make sure those drains are clear. A lot of the leaves stayed on the tree long this year because we didn’t have a lot of wind or rain or freeze to help not those leaves off,”<\/p>\n
Wilson said wind gusts up to 30 miles an hour is also expected.<\/p>\n
The city is working with the National Weather Service and county agencies to stay ready.<\/p>\n
“We all wanna make sure that we’re communicating that same type of message so that the public is best to wear when we do get a storm system coming in that we’re prepared and they’re prepared as well,” said Merced County Spokesman, Mike North.<\/p>\n
County officials urge drivers to slow down and watch for hazards like downed trees and potholes.<\/p>\n
And they said they’re ready for whatever comes.<\/p>\n
“Through our Office of Emergency Services, we’re always planning, prepping and making sure we’re ready for when a storm system does come in,” said North.<\/p>\n