The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of Central California, including Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, and surrounding communities, effective through Friday afternoon.

Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could trigger flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Excessive runoff may also affect flood-prone locations across Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties.

The watch covers the San Joaquin Valley from Buttonwillow and Lost Hills along Interstate 5 to Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, Porterville, and Reedley, as well as the west side mountains south of Highway 198.

Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for potential flood warnings. Those in vulnerable areas should be ready to take action if flooding develops.

More information is available at weather.gov/safety/flood.

Here’s the latest #thunderstorm probabilities for Central California for Thursday and Friday. #CAWx #Fresno #Bakersfield pic.twitter.com/Zs8AFlWNh9

— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) September 16, 2025