Fresno County declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of damage caused by winter storms and the expectation of more to come.

County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland and Emergency Services Director Dan Lynch made the decision to issue the declaration.

Heavy snow has stranded residents and knocked out power in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, and Mariposa counties.

“The storm has impacted several County roads and caused numerous hazards throughout, all of which can cause peril to human safety and property,” Nerland said in a news release. “The purpose of the proclamation is to address extensive weather-related damage as well as future damage from the snowmelt, debris flow, and flooding throughout” the county’s 6,011 square miles.

How to Get Latest County Info

Officials said they are updating all of the county’s social media accounts and its emergency webpage with the latest information on roads, power outages, evacuation areas, and weather. You can access the emergency webpage at https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/fresno-county-emergency

The social media accounts for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also include updates.

Finally, officials encourage residents to download the Everbridge app from the Sheriff’s Office at this link and the Fresno County Connect app from the app store to report road hazards.

Deputies Rescue Bass Lake Resident

On Thursday, Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies rescued a stranded resident in Bass Lake.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday posted a contact list for residents.