Gusty winds and rain cross Kern County, leading to power outages and local flooding
Weather advisory remains in effect for Kern County; strong winds, rain expected to continue
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — High winds and heavy rain created hazardous travel conditions across Kern County on Tuesday, causing power outages and localized flooding in southeast Bakersfield and Wasco.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory that remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday evening. Wind gusts up to 45 mph have been recorded in the county, with gusts as high as 60 mph possible in the mountains and Antelope Valley.
Power outages reported in southeast Bakersfield, Wasco
The strong winds have caused power outages in several areas, including parts of southeast Bakersfield and Wasco.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Pacific Gas and Electric Company was reporting over 2,000 customers without power in the Bakersfield area, with the majority of the outages concentrated in the southeast.
In Wasco, over 1,000 customers were without power as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Localized flooding reported in southeast Bakersfield
The heavy rain has also led to localized flooding in some areas, including parts of southeast Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Fire Department responded to several reports of flooding in the area, including a report of a vehicle that was partially submerged in water near the intersection of Panama Lane and Cottonwood Road.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Kern County, which remains in effect until 9:45 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Residents urged to stay off roads, avoid flooded areas
The Kern County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to stay off the roads if possible and to avoid flooded areas.
"We are seeing a lot of standing water on the roads, and it's just not safe to drive through," said Ray Pruitt, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. "If you don't have to be out, please stay home."
The Sheriff's Office is also asking residents to report any downed power lines or other hazards to 911.
