To: All Campus
Nov. 21, 2024
Merced County and most of California is expecting the first major storm of the season this weekend. This storm — a meteorological bomb cyclone and atmospheric river — is expected to bring up to 1.5" of rain between Friday, Nov. 22 and Mon., Nov. 25, with a significant concentration of rain between 10 p.m. Friday night through 10 a.m. Saturday morning.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Sierra Nevada for elevations above 7,000 feet from Friday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Heavy snow is possible at times, with total snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches possible.
Rain is anticipated to continue through the week with a second, smaller storm anticipated to arrive closer to Thanksgiving. Winds are not anticipated to be a concern during these storms. For more detailed information, visit the National Weather Service, Hanford .
We encourage everyone to stay informed and be storm ready.
Stay Informed
- Register for local emergency alerts: UCM Alert , Merced County’s Citizen Alert Emergency Notification System , Mariposa County , Stanislaus County , Madera County , Fresno County and Yosemite
- Monitor your location for potential hazards and travel conditions [ Merced | Fresno | Yosemite National Park | Sequoia and Kings Canyon ]
- Use the Perimeter App to stay updated on Merced County road closures, shelter sites, and mandatory evacuation areas
Be Storm and Flood Ready
- Stay informed and prepare an emergency go-bag with essentials
- Persons living near rivers and streams should closely monitor water levels and be ready to move to higher grounds if the threat becomes imminent [Monitor Bear Creek: NOAA | Bear Creek ]
- Report building and/or roadway safety hazards to 9-1-1 or CAT-COPS (228-2677).
- Get more information about current or future flood events in Merced County by texting “MCFLOODS” to 888777
- Merced County Sandbag Locations: Merced County | Sandbags
- Be informed of Merced County Road Closures: Perimeter Map
Stay Safe During Winter Weather
- Stay off roads if at all possible. Limit your time outside. If driving is absolutely necessary or if evacuating, wear seatbelts, slow down, stay alert, increase following distance, and drive safely.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
- Learn more about Winter and Generator Safety: Gov Ready | Winter Weather #Prepare
Please report any campus damage or hazards to Police Dispatch at 209-228-2677. Please review severe weather procedures available on the Emergency Preparedness website and visit the National Weather Servicefor up-to-date weather information.
Be prepared.
UC Merced Emergency Management
