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As more harsh winds and downpours pound Northern California, authorities are warning San Joaquin County residents to avoid driving.
"Avoid travel as much as possible until this week’s atmospheric river weather event subsides," Caltrans advised residents Wednesday morning.
Driving conditions may be difficult or impossible, and roads and urban areas could flood quickly as more rain pummels already saturated soil, the National Weather Service said.
If you must drive in or around Stockton, several road closures could further impact your route amid the storm.
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Crews at work in Stockton; road closures
Sections of major roads, including French Camp Road, Swain Road and Hammer Lane are closed, according to storm updates from the city of Stockton.
Get the list of road closures by visiting the city's website.
"With this rain that we just had, you're starting to see water collect out near the same locations where it's been before, those same intersections," city spokesperson Connie Cochran said.
Public works crews may be seen Wednesday monitoring pumping stations, cleaning catch basins and using vacuum trucks to unclog drains if necessary, Cochran said.
Storm's impact on Central Valley freeways
On Interstate 5 near the Crosstown Freeway, one of two northbound lanes is closed due to a "roadway wash-out," according to a Caltrans incident map.
Road wash-outs can occur when a drainage culvert becomes blocked, said Bob Highfill, a spokesman for Caltrans.
"Underneath the roads are these culverts, or drainage pipes. They move surface water, and keep it (from) spilling onto the roadway," he said. "Debris can flow into them. It's basically a clogged pipe."
To clear wash-outs, crews first remove any vegetation, branches and other debris collected on the drain, said Skip Allum, a Caltrans spokesperson for San Joaquin County.
"If it's clogged up like a sink, then they've got to use a vac truck," similar to how a drain snake can be used to unclog a sink or toilet, he said.
Caltrans crews hauled about 10 truckloads of debris out of the water on Tuesday when Highway 99 north of French Camp Road washed out, Allum said.
Do not drive during a storm
If you must drive, "reduce speed and follow at a safe distance, inspect wipers and replace if needed, don’t use cruise control, check headlights, inflate tires to the correct pressures and check tread," Caltrans advises.
Do not try to drive through flood water. Just one foot of water can carry off a small car, and 18-24 inches can sweep away trucks, vans and SUVs. Avoid bridges over fast-moving water, as the water could wash away the bridge without warning, the Department of Homeland Security advises.
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If your car stalls, get out immediately and find higher ground, unless you're surrounded by fast-moving water. If you are trapped in your car in fast-moving water, stay inside. You should get on the roof of the car and flag down help if water is rising inside the vehicle, according to FEMA.
As the storm hits San Joaquin County on Wednesday afternoon, Caltrans crews will be "patrolling at all times," Allum said.
"They'll be checking all of it," Allum said, "they'll be scanning to see if there are any drains that are clogged, keeping their eyes on canals."
Record reporter Aaron Leathley covers public safety. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @LeathleyAaron. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record athttps://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
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