Evacuation ordered ahead of possible mud, debris flows in San Bernardino County
The National Weather Service has urged citizens not to drive or walk in danger of being trapped by flooding, mud and debris flows as a winter storm may come into a valley that has suffered many floods.
The National Weather Service has urged residents to stay out of the danger zones, as the potential for mudslides, debris flows, or flash flood watches and warnings may remain in effect through Saturday morning.
National Weather Service officials said the agency is monitoring the weather, anticipating that rain and a low pressure system will provide additional precipitation and flooding.
“We are urging residents to listen to local officials and stay out of the danger areas, particularly in the area near the Tehachapis Valley. At this time, the weather service does not have any active watches or warnings in the Tehachapis Valley,” the weather service posted on its website Friday.
Residents should also follow weather service advisories posted online, the weather service said.
“At this time there are no active warnings or watches in the Tehachapis Valley or the lower San Bernardino Mountains,” the weather service said in its latest advisory. “For further information on safety and road conditions please consult your local authorities. Additionally, residents should be alert and aware to potential impacts from winter weather due to possible flooding and mudslides.”
The Tehachapis Valley is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Apple Valley. The valley has been inundated by floodwaters several times over the past decade, according to the National Weather Service.
In 2013, the Tehachapis River flooded, killing two people and injuring five others. A massive mudslide occurred in 1998 over which several people died.
The Tehachapis Valley in San Bernardino County is also prone to high water due to a combination of high evaporation and a strong year-round stream flow, the National Weather Service said.
“This valley has experienced flooding repeatedly over the past decade,” the National Weather Service said. “In 2017, the Tehachapis was almost overwhelmed in February when a flood-like event occurred and forced more than 600 structures and more than 1,000 people to evacuate their homes.”