UPDATE (3:45 PM): From KCSO and KCFD:
A new evacuation center has been set up at Kern Valley High School, 3340 Erskine Creek Road, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will also be at this location to assist with sheltering companion animals at the high school. The previous location, the Lake Isabella Senior Center on Lake Isabella Road, is closed.
Evacuation transportation assistance for residents with physical limitations will be offered until 5:30 pm. Residents who need help evacuating should call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 855-254-6565 before 5:30 pm. After that time, the agency can't guarantee they will be able to help.
UPDATE (10:26 AM): From the Kern County Sheriff's Office:
Due to water levels of the Kern River impacting local communities, an Evacuation Order has been issued for Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA., Tillie Creek and Wofford Heights, East of Arnold Spring Spur Drive, South of Wofford Heights Boulevard, North of Old State Road.
Areas of Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA expected to be impacted are:
South of Riverkern, between Sierra Hwy and Burlando Rd, North of the Kernville Airport, Tillie Creek and Wofford Heights, East of Arnold Spring Spur Drive, South of Wofford Heights Boulevard, North of Old State Road.
An Evacuation Order means that flooding is an immediate threat to life. An Evacuation Order is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
Currently the recommended travel route from the evacuation areas is Sierra Way to Highway 178 to Lake Isabella.
A shelter location is open at the Lake Isabella Senior Center. 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 11:30 AM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 11:30 AM. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
UPDATE (9:56 AM): From the Kern County Sheriff's Office:
Due to water levels of the Kern River impacting local communities, an Evacuation Order has been issued for Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA.
Areas of Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA expected to be impacted are:
South of Riverkern, between Sierra Hwy and Burlando Rd, North of the Kernville Airport.
An Evacuation Order means that flooding is an immediate threat to life. An Evacuation Order is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
Currently the recommended travel route from the evacuation areas is Sierra Way to Highway 178 to Lake Isabella.
A shelter location is open at the Lake Isabella Senior Center. 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 11:30 AM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 11:30 AM. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
UPDATE (9:27 AM): Kern River Driver from Kernville Rd to Burlando Rd is closed due to flooding.
UPDATE (9:21 AM): From the Kern County Sheriff's Office:
Due to forecasted water flow in the Upper Kern River, which has resulted in flooding, an Evacuation Order has been issued for Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA.
Areas of Kernville, CA that are currently impacted are:
South of Riverkern, between Sierra Way and Burlando Rd, North of the Kernville Airport.
Evacuation Order means that water flow is a threat to life and/or property, and all residents are advised to leave the area.
A shelter location is open at the Lake Isabella Senior Center. 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
Currently the recommended travel route from the evacuation areas is Sierra Way to Highway 178 to Lake Isabella.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
ORIGINAL (Mar. 9 @ 3:39 PM): The Kern County Fire Department has issued an evacuation warning for areas of Kernville due to possible flooding as a new set of storms rides another atmospheric river over the area.
According to KCFD, an evacuation warning means that there is a potential threat to life and property, and residents should be prepared to leave the area at a moment's notice if that becomes necessary.
Residents who have livestock, pets, medical concerns, or other situations that would require more time to evacuate should make those preparations and evacuate as soon as possible.
The impacts are expected to be felt most in the area south of Riverkern, between Sierra Highway and Burlando Road, north of the Kernville Airport.
The Kern County Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and a Red Cross Kern County shelter location is now open at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Boulevard. Animal services will also be at that location to help with sheltering companion animals.
If you are planning to evacuate to the shelter in Lake Isabella, the RCKC says everyone is welcome whether they need to stay overnight or not. People going to the shelter are encouraged to bring vital items for their own care, as well as their children and pets, including food, medications, medical devices, extra clothing, a blanket, and comfort items like toys, books, or games.
Anyone requiring transportation assistance to evacuate should call the Aging & Adult Services Hotline at 855-264-6565 before 6:00 pm. After 6, the agency can't guarantee they'll be able to respond, as the forecast expects the rain to start sometime between 4:00 and 5:00.
If you have an emergency, don't hesitate to call 911, and sign up for Kern County emergency notifications for up-to-the-minute information.
