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.<\/p>\n
Traffic cones diverted vehicles away from the underpass early in the morning as water pooled beneath it.<\/p>\n
Fresno resident Jason Valdez said he didn’t realize how deep the water was until his car got stuck.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
He added that the poorly lit area made it hard to see the water.<\/p>\n
After several attempts to restart his car, Valdez and his friends concluded the engine may have been ruined.<\/p>\n
Still, Valdez said the mishap wouldn’t spoil his holiday plans.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
City officials said the underpass will stay closed through the storm out of caution.<\/p>\n
They did not anticipate flooding but said the rain fell faster and harder than expected.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Russell said the city’s flood control system is functioning and ponding basins are ready to handle overflow.<\/p>\n
He urged residents to clear leaves and debris from yards to prevent clogged drains and roadway flooding as the storm continues through the holiday.<\/p>\n
City officials are reminding people, if you see any hazards out on the road, you can use the FresGO app<\/a> or call 311 to report them.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n