FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:    Jennifer Flachman, Public Information Officer

                   flachman@cityofmerced.org, (209) 564-0235                                               

The City of Merced Issues Caution to Residents Along Areas Near Bear Creek  

Heavy Rains, Strong Winds, Flooding, Falling Trees, Power Outages, and Shallow Mudslides Are All Possible Dangers 

- Residents in the mapped areas listed below are advised to prepare for heavy rains, flooding, and a possible evacuation.  

MERCED, CALIF – The City of Merced is urging community members residing in areas surrounding Bear Creek to be mindful of upcoming weather conditions and risks to residents and property.  

Prolonged storms and heavy rains have impacted all areas of the Bear Creek bank, including the Bear Creek bike path.  

The Creek exceeded flood stage at approximately 3 AM, Tuesday, January 10th, which caused flooding in surrounding areas. City and state-wide industry experts are working to fortify areas of the Creek where sediment is dislodging, and erosion has occurred. The Creek is extremely hazardous during heavy rainfall events, and ALL residents are advised to avoid the bike path, creek bank and fast-moving water.  

The National Weather Services has posted a flood warning until January 13, 9:00 PM. A flood watch is in effect from January 14, 10:00 AM until January 15, 7:00 AM. Residents are encouraged to stay off roads, creek areas, waterways, and fast-moving waters during these times. 

Be prepared in the event you need to evacuate. 

• Gather your household members, pets, personal items, important documents, and prescription medication. 

• Pack a change of clothes, non-perishable foods, water, extra batteries, flashlights, and phone chargers. 

• Prepare to evacuate to a safe location. 

• Prepare your home. Elevate and anchor utilities, waterproof your basement, clear debris from gutters, elevate or move your furniture. 

Additional Resources: 

• Please register for Subscribe Merced at https://www.cityofmerced.org/resident-services/subscribe-merced to receive up-to-date storm related information from the City of Merced. 
• Sandbag locations are listed at www.countyofmerced.com/sandbags.  

• Merced County has set up a flood hotline at (209) 385-7563. Residents can call the hotline for sandbag information, flood evacuation warnings, mandatory flood evacuation locations, shelter locations, road closures, family reunification support, and additional flood resources.  

• Xfinity has opened up hotspots across its California footprint throughout the storm emergency. Visit, https://california.comcast.com/2023/01/13/comcast-opens-free-xfinity-wifi-hotspots-to-support-residents-during-storms/  

• For more information about evacuation preparedness, visit https://www.ready.gov/evacuation and https://www.floodsmart.gov/first-prepare-flooding.

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