Dear Esteemed Community Partners,
I trust this message finds you in good health. As we approach the upcoming weekend, I want to bring your attention to a significant weather event that requires our collective vigilance and readiness. According to the latest meteorological data, Hurricane Hillary is anticipated to usher in monsoonal conditions, potentially impacting our region from Sunday, August 20th, to Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, with the storm’s peak projected for Monday, August 21st.
Our primary concern revolves around various areas across our community that may be susceptible to adverse effects. In particular, residents in Bakersfield should exercise caution on roadways that typically experience water accumulation, especially in low-lying areas of the roadway.
Furthermore, individuals in desert regions must take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of flash flooding, while those situated in mountainous terrain should be prepared for potential flash floods, along with the increased potential for mudslides and landslides, particularly in areas marked by recent burn scars resulting from wildfires. Rockslides may pose a heightened threat, so please use caution, or if possible, avoid traveling the Kern Canyon or other areas where rockslide are likely to occur.
I strongly urge you to review and implement recommended precautions to ensure not only your safety but also that of your families.
To aid you in your preparedness efforts, please consider the following essential tips:
- Road Safety: Exercise heightened caution while driving, particularly in areas prone to water accumulation during heavy rainfall. If you encounter a flooded road, it is advised to turn around promptly and seek an alternate route.
- Flash Flood Awareness: Stay well-informed about ongoing weather updates and promptly follow any evacuation directives. Having a well-structured plan in place to relocate to higher ground, if needed, is recommended.
- Mountainous Regions: Exercise extreme caution for potential rockslides and avoid traversing through areas susceptible to such incidents during the storm.
- Landslide and Mudslide Prevention: Take proactive steps such as clearing drains, gutters, and culverts to minimize flooding risk, and avoid regions affected by burn scars.
- Emergency Alert System: Ensure your enrollment in ReadyKern, our comprehensive emergency alert system. This platform ensures timely dissemination of critical information, empowering you to navigate the impending storm with heightened awareness.
Please be advised that current weather models predict sustained winds of up to 20 MPH and an estimated 2 inches of rainfall during the storm. Rest assured, I am actively collaborating with State authorities and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hanford office to stay abreast of the situation. Critical updates will be communicated to you promptly, starting from Friday, August 18th, 2023.
The safety and well-being of the people we serve, our employees, and our community partners remain our topmost priority. Through informed preparedness and collective vigilance, we can effectively mitigate the potential impact of Hurricane Hillary.
Remember, our proactive efforts today can significantly influence our safety during such weather events.
Should you require further clarification or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your diligence, dedication, and attention to safety are deeply valued.
Wishing you a secure and well-prepared response.
Warm regards,
|
Joseph Grounds | Kern Regional Center |
| Emergency Services Coordinator |
| T (661) 840-5346 |C (661-861-3522 | F (661) 852-3334
3200 N. Sillect Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308 |
| joseph.grounds@kernrc.org | www.kernrc.org |
Striving to Achieve Equality, Independence, and Empowerment |
