Atmospheric River: Tracking live storm coverage across Merced

MERCED, California (KFSN) — The atmospheric river that hit central California had a big impact on the North Valley.

Major flooding, including the Bear Creek overflow, forced several schools to close along with evacuation orders.

The Merced County Emergency Operations Center opened a flood hotline to help affected residents. The number for the hotline is 209-385-7563.

EVACUATION ORDERS

Evacuation orders were issued in Merced as the intense storm caused Bear Creek to overflow along with major street flooding.

Sheriff Vern Warnke issued an evacuation order for the entire community of Planada on Tuesday, which has a population of nearly 4,000 people.

An order means there is an immediate threat to life and residents must leave immediately.

An evacuation shelter was created at the Merced County Fairgrounds for affected residents.

As of Tuesday night, evacuation orders were still in effect for the following areas:

W. North Bear Creek Drive

Avenida La Crescenta

Avenida La Palma

La Mirada road

corona court

Avenue Mariette

Portola Way

avenue madrid

Stoney Brook Avenue

Dry Creekside Drive

Silver Creek Court

springfield courthouse

brookside drive

shadowbrook drive

Driftwood Drive

crystal springs avenue

2500 N. Hwy 59

Cooper Ave from Ashby Road to HWY 59

CLOSING OF SCHOOLS

Many Merced schools will be open on Wednesday, but the following will remain closed:

McSwain Union Elementary SD

Elementary Glide SD

Le Grand High SD

You can see a map of the areas under evacuation order by clicking here.

SANDBAGS

Heavy rains expected across California bring a chance of flooding in certain areas.

For a complete list of sandbag locations, click here.