Continued flooding in northern California leads to more evacuations

New evacuation orders have been given for the area along Coyote Creek in the Coyote Creek 100 year Flood Zone, running from north I-280 to south Hwy 101. Also Highway 401 between I-880 and and the I-280/I-680 split is closed. There is no information at this time as to when the highway will reopen.

About 14,000 people have already evacuated the San Jose area. The water released from Don Pedro Dam into the Tuolumne River is expected to reach its peak along a stretch near Vernalis that is already at dangerous levels. Levees could break in any weakened places.

Advice

Travellers should avoid the affected areas. If you are in a flooded area, never drive into water covering the road. Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.