California and Nevada Residents Warned of Potential Flooding Due to Heavy Precipitation and Rapid Snow Melt.

Millions of people in California and Nevada are under flood watches as the National Weather Prediction Center has warned of potential flooding due to heavy precipitation and rapid snow melt below 5,000 feet.

The flooding is expected to be caused by warm rain and temperatures melting the snow at lower mountain elevations, causing streams to rapidly grow. Downtown Fresno is forecast to get 3 inches of rain from Thursday evening to Saturday morning.

Terri Mejorado, the Fresno County Emergency Services Director, said at a Wednesday news conference that the warm water on top of the snow will cause it to melt. This is especially concerning for areas that were already devastated by severe flooding earlier this year.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of the Golden State, warning of excessive rainfall that can flood neighborhoods. Residents are advised to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

The storm is expected to begin Thursday and last through the weekend. People are urged to stay informed of the latest weather updates and to take necessary safety precautions.