2023 January Winter Storms
1/11/2023 update as of 10:00 a.m.
1/18/2023 update as of 10:00 a.m.
Road Access for Highway 190 Communities
Highway 190 remains closed, between Camp Nelson and North Road, for several weeks due to storm damage. Tulare County is continuing work to reopen Western Divide Highway, which may take several more days. Until the road is fully cleared, Tulare County Resource Management Agency will escort traffic between California Hot Springs and Ponderosa.
The first convoy will begin January 18 at 2:00 PM, from California Hot Springs to Ponderosa, and at 3:30 PM from Ponderosa to California Hot Springs.
Beginning January 19, convoys will run twice a day. Convoys into Ponderosa will depart from the gate on Mountain Road 50, near California Hot Springs, daily at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Convoys leaving Ponderosa will depart from the gate on Western Divide Highway, approximately one-quarter mile south of Aspen Drive, daily at 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Please note that chains or four-wheel drive may be required. For inquiries about Western Divide Highway status, please call RMA at 559-624-7000, or for emergencies, call 911.
Sheriff Boudreaux has issued an Evacuation Warning for the communities of Sequoia Crest, Alpine Village, Redwood Drive, Cedar Slope and Ponderosa due to the numerous rock slides and washouts along Highway 190.
The Tulare County Roads Department was able to open the Great Western Divide (Mountain Road 107). However, the Western Divide Highway will not be plowed overnight because of the upcoming storms, which means the residents in these communities will not be able to enter or leave. An Evacuation Warning is in effect for this weekend due to the potential isolation and the multiple incoming storms. Please consider leaving the area for your safety, as first responders may not be able to reach you in the event of an emergency.
Those choosing to remain in the area should prepare now with several days’ worth of essential supplies, such as food, water, medications and fuel. Please refer to the National Weather Service and Tulare County Fire Department’s social media pages for more information.
For those who are still in need of assistance please call 2-1-1.
Shelter Information
The emergency shelter at the International Agri-Center in Tulare has been temporarily closed. Anyone in need of shelter due to flooding impacts can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for services.
What to Do If Flood Waters Impacted Your Home
With all the recent rainstorms California is receiving, Tulare County Public Health and Environment Health offer guidance and information for your health and safety.
For homes with water intrusion, be aware that flood water may contain sewage and other contaminants. Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. For areas affected by power outages due to flooding, residents should throw away any and all spoiled food, including food in freezers which may have thawed and re-frozen.
An extensive list of safety measures has been provided by officials on resident’s doors in flood impacted areas. For further information on safety measures in returning home, please visit: https://tularecountyeh.org/eh/public-information/flood-guidance/.
1/9/2023 update as of 9:00 p.m.
The County of Tulare is experiencing increased water flows in the Kings River. Due to the atmospheric river continuing, Kings River flows will be increasing to possible dangerous levels.
Evacuation Warning issued for residences along within a quarter mile of the Kings River from the Fresno County Line to Kings County Line. Evacuation warnings are voluntary. Community members are strongly encouraged to prepare to evacuate if it becomes necessary. If individuals feel they need more time, please consider leaving the area now.
Please refer to the National Weather Service, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, and the Tulare County Fire’s social media.
Those in need of shelter due to evacuation, an emergency shelter is available at the International Agri-Center located at 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare. Enter in Gate D to access the emergency shelter and follow the lights to Gate 16 on the Agri-Center grounds.
Individuals who may need assistance evacuating may call 2-1-1 for assistance. If you are able, please evacuate your domestic animals with you. Tulare County Animal Services is available to assist at the emergency shelter.
Tulare County Animal Services is available to assist with evacuating your animals from the flood areas along with housing for both small and large animals. Please contact Animal Services at (559) 636-4050 x 0 for more information or call 2-1-1. If you are needing assistance evacuating your animals or you need a place to house your animals, submit a Flood Assistance Evacuation-Housing Request Form at: https://tcanimalservices.org/animalservices/resources/flood-assistance-evacuation-form/. Tulare County Animal Services staff will contact you between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to coordinate assistance for your animals.
Flood Impact Map
Any Flood Impact areas for Tulare County will be posted on the map below.
Warming Centers
During cold weather, specific facilities in Tulare County are designated as warming centers, locations where the public may come to get out of the cold during normal business hours. For more information please click here .
Sandbag Locations
During the stormy season, sandbag sacks and loose sand is available to the public.For more information please click here .
Emergency Preparedness: Evacuation, Wildfires, and Heat Events
When a disaster occurs, Tulare County wants you to be as prepared as possible by providing preparedness tips and steps to take in the event of an emergency. Click here to read more.
Other Active Emergencies in Tulare County:
2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Visit the Tulare County COVID-19 Website to learn more about local response and recovery efforts.
Tree Mortality
Since 2012, record drought and record temperatures, have weakened trees throughout California, resulting in millions of acres of failing forestland that then become vulnerable to disease and infestation. Infestation, such as those caused by native bark beetles, have caused tree mortality of epidemic proportions. The scale of tree mortality in California contributes to significantly increased wildfire risks, and presents life safety risks due to falling trees that can injure or kill people. Due to these increased risks, California and Tulare County have proclaimed states of emergency for tree mortality. Click to read more here.