WEATHER:A few clouds have lingered today from yesterday's thunderstorms, but the weather has returned to mostly clear, blue skies today. In spite of the fact that we were forecast to have a high of 108 yesterday, Tollhousians in fact, barely saw temperatures in the high 90's due to the completely overcast skies of yesterday. The current forecast calls for temperatures to return to the century mark today and continue over the Labor Day weekend and into early next week. This is due to a high pressure system anchored over the area. TRAFFIC: According to custom, traffic has been heavy all day, especially this afternoon and early evening as folks head to the lakes of the High Sierra for the Labor Day weekend. Canyon Fork Shopping Center was the scene of intense activity as shoppers stocked up on goods for the holiday at Mar-Val, and it was standing room only at Bill's Pizza Factory as all of those shoppers and voyagers took time out for a pizza before heading further up into the hills to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the higher elevations.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunrise:
6:26 am - Sunset: 7:29 pm
Today:
High: 108/Mostly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 30%
Tonight:
Low: 67/Mostly Cloudy
WEATHER:Foothill residents were awakened to a surprise this morning, especially considering all of the forecasts on the evening news yesterday evening. Valley and Foothill residents were greeted by the sounds of thunder, some isolated sprinkles and some rather vociferous winds as they arose to go to work or school. The Weather Service says that the thunderstorms will continue through the morning, diminishing around noon-time. The lightning associated with these storms could cause problems, given the tender dry nature of the foothills at the moment. In spite of the inclement weather, the prognosticators continue to insist that we'll make it to 109 today, and that leaves us on track to break some heat related records. A heat advisory also remains in effect for each of the next 3 days from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm each day. TRAFFIC:Traffic in the foothills is becoming a bit more akin to normal this morning, but a couple of problems have been noted with the several hundreths of an inch of rain that have fallen on area roads. With the accumulated dust and oil on the roadways, any moisture can cause problems, and make roadways slicker than expected, so area residents are encouraged to take it easy. County Road crews were working this morning to clear a fallen tree across Dinkey Creek Road brought now by the fierce winds generated by the early morning thunderstorms. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:At least 3 brief power outages have been reported this morning in the Tollhouse area, each followed by the rumble of thunder which suggests that lightning strikes are the cause. The power has immediately come back on each time after about 30 to 45 seconds. We've heard of no extended power outages so far. Auberry Road was reopened last night to through traffic shortly after 8:00 pm not too long after the Beal Fire was declared contained. Several Tollhouse residents returning from Fresno about 9:00 pm reported that they saw numerous fire trucks heading down the hill which means they were released from duty. A number of crews remain on the scene mopping up hot spots and monitoring the fire. For this reason, the westbound (downhill) lanes of SR 168 remain closed for use by fire crews. Traffic is being routed on the eastbound lanes of the 4 lane as 2 way traffic. WEATHER UPDATE:As of noon, brief showers and thunderstorms were continuing. The Weather Service continues to insist that we'll make it to 108 today, but Tollhousians have barely seen 80 today with the overcast skies thus far. Weather radar shows a continued stream of thunderstorms approaching the area until at least 2:30 or so this afternoon.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunrise:
6:25 am - Sunset: 7:31 pm
Today:
High: 105/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 69/Clear
WEATHER:The weather forecast calls for hot and then some with an expected high of 105 today. This, in combination a a higher humidity factor than normal for this time of year, has led to the U.S. Weather Service to issue a Heat Advisory for the area today from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. The heat index (the temperature that you actually feel like it is) is expected to reach about 110 during that time frame. Tomorrow is expected to be even hotter with an expected high of 108, before a slight cooling trend back to today's reading on Friday, but with less humidity. TRAFFIC: According to the CHP website, traffic controls remain in effect for SR 168 (the 4 lane) this morning. The eastbound (uphill lanes) are being used for 2 way traffic while the westbound (downhill) lanes remained closed to the public for use by fire-fighting equipment. Also, Auberry Road remains closed to all but residents between Jose Basin Road and Sugarloaf. This is also to allow for rapid movement of fire-fighting equipment. Restrictions on Auberry Road are expected to continue until at least 8:00 pm this evening. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:Cal-Fire officials have announced this morning at 9:50 am that the fire has been surrounded, but not yet contained. The current containment lines exist from SR 168 northwards up and over the ridge, but the far north portion of the fire in the area of the Beal Fire Road is not yet in the containment perimeter. This is the area in which firefighters are expected to concentrate this morning, including the many response teams from around the state brought in overnight. The total number of firefighters fighting the blaze as of this morning now number slightly over 700. As of 11:00 am as this is being written, we have heard of no releases yet of firefighters, meaning the incident command of the fire still see it as a threat to the area. At last report, the fire area was in the neighborhood of about 160 acres.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunrise:
6:25 am - Sunset: 7:32 pm
Today:
High: 101/Partly Cloudy
Tonight:
Low: 64/Mostly Clear
OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:Foothills residents were rapidly made aware of a fire in the Auberry area which broke out at about 2:50 pm this afternoon. The fire broke out at a point near Beal Fire Road and Auberry Road. A large portion of the hillside below Meadow Lakes was quickly engulfed in flames. By a little after 3:00 pm, the fire had grown to about 15 acres. By about 4:00 pm, the fire had grown to 50 acres. The 5:00 pm newcasts in Fresno reported the fire as having grown to close to 100 acres. At 6:00 pm, that figure had been raised to 130 acres. The rapidly spreading blaze quickly filled the Auberry Valley area with smoke which also rose high into the afternoon sky. The fire led to the closure of Auberry Road at Powerhouse Road in Auberry. The fire also caused the closure of the 4 lane (SR 168) at Auberry Road. This allowed the copious amounts of fire equipment arriving on the scene relatively free access to the area. Unfortunately, this also led to Tollhouse Road becoming the only access road to or from Shaver Lake and points beyond in the Sierra. This led to what several Tollhouse residents described as nearly bumper to bumper traffic coming down the old state highway grade. This continued for most of the late afternoon and into the early evening. FIRE UPDATE:At 11:00 pm, fire crews reported that the fire is now 20% contained and that full containment of the fire is expected sometime tomorrow afternoon. According to Cal-Fire the fire had grown to 150 acres at 11:00 pm and winds were blowing downslope this evening at 3 to 4 miles per hour. 250 firefighters have been working on the fire most of the day, and according to reports, more than 700 will be working on the fire by tomorrow morning. We spoke with a fire crew from Tuolumne about 9:40 pm this evening at Tiny Mart that had just arrived on the scene. They reported that they were due to bed down for the evening and then go at the fire at first light in the morning. The good news is that the 2 lanes of the 4 lane were reopened at about 9:30 pm this evening. They are allowing the Eastbound lanes to be used as a 2 lane road, while the westbound (downhill) lanes are still being used by fire crews and equipment. According to interviews with many area residents, it would appear that the firefighters had a bit of luck when the aerial equipment that was brought in was able to keep enough of the fire somewhat down until the crews could arrive on the scene. While it appears that the worst may be over as far as this fire is concerned, it's by no means contained, and any wind, plus the 105 degree heat expected for tomorrow, will play a role in how well firefighters fare in their efforts. In the meantime, over 250 residents around the Meadow Lake area are still under advisory that an evacuation may become necessary. To that end, the Red Cross as set up a temporary shelter in the Sierra Oaks Senior Center should it become necessary. They report that they will remain at the scene and ready to help and shelter any area residents affected by the fire.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunrise:
6:24 am - Sunset: 7:34 pm
Today:
High: 100/Partly Cloudy
Tonight:
Low: 62/Partly Cloudy
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunrise:
6:23 am - Sunset: 7:35 pm
Today:
High: 98/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 60/Mostly Cloudy
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Sunrise:
6:22 am - Sunset: 7:37 pm
Today:
High: 102/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 64/Mostly Clear
WEATHER:The weather forecast continues to trend towards the warm side, which means that summer continues to be the controlling season both in the San Joaquin Valley and foothills. Moisture from Hurricane Dean will definitely affect the area tomorrow and Monday. Current forecasts call for possible high elevation thunderstorms tomorrow and tomorrow evening in the Shaver and Huntington Lake areas. Cloudy weather is also expected tomorrow and Monday as a result of the incoming moisture. TRAFFIC: Traffic remains relatively light this weekend as more and more valley schools continue to return to class, and the normal slowdown that occurs during that time occurs. Reports of roaming cows were received on the lower portions of SR 168 near Morgan Canyon Road. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:Local gas prices continue to decline as some locations in the foothills are seeing regular gasoline under 3.00 dollars for the first time in quite awhile. Reports from area residents on trips to Fresno report that prices there are as low as 2.66 per gallon.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Sunrise:
6:21 am - Sunset: 7:38 pm
Today:
High: 101/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 61/Clear
WEATHER:The National Weather Service continues to indicate that warmer weather will continue to be with us for awhile with temperatures at and slightly above the century mark for the upcoming week. The forecast models are still trying to deal with moisture left from the remnant of Hurricane Dean that's expected to make it's way into our area. TRAFFIC:Our webmaster is out of the area this weekend, so traffic reports are rather sparse today. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:Foothills residents were surprised to hear today about the arrest of two Los Angeles area males in a hit and run accident that took place at Shaver Lake last September. The two males struck and severely injured an 8 year old Bakersfield resident, then fled the scene. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office reports that an 11 month investigation led to the arrests. The suspects will be charged with felony hit and run with a boat.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Sunrise:
6:21 am - Sunset: 7:39 pm
Today:
High: 101/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 59/Clear
WEATHER: We thought it was too good to be true when they started talking about the end of century marks. No sooner had that forecast come out, than the next forecast 8 hours later said it wasn't to be. Now the century mark makes a major appearance during most of the forecast for the next 7 days. So, it looks like we'll have to put away thoughts of fall for another week or two, as the weather is expected to remain sunny and hot. TRAFFIC: Local roadways were less than quiet last night. An incident occurred about 6:45 pm on Millerton Road just north of Tollhouse Road in which a vehicle and a tree had a difference of opinion. According to reports, the tree won. Though, the vehicle or it's driver claimed that a motorcyle on the wrong side of the road was the cause of the accident. At 7:55 pm, a motorcycle reportedly blew a tire and rolled over on Sample Road just east of SR 168.A traffic incident occurred in the parking lot near Canyon Fork Market about 9:10 pm. Apparently one party was reluctant to provide information to the other. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from any of these accidents, which, all things considered, is rather amazing.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Sunrise:
6:20 am - Sunset: 7:41 pm
Today:
High: 100/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 61/Clear
WEATHER:If the weather folks are to be believed, today is supposed to be the last day of temperatures reaching the century mark for the next 7 days, and perhaps for the rest of the year. While it's a bit early to tell if this will come to pass, it gives one hope that fall may soon be here, with it's much more moderate temperatures. The current problem for weather forecasters at the moment, is what's going to happen with all of that left over moisture from Hurricane Dean, which is due to hit the Mexican mainland around noon today. The remnants of the storm are expected to cross Mexico and end up along the Pacific Coast and make their way north into Southern California and perhaps our area by Monday. That's the reason for the partly cloudy forecast currently in place for Sunday night and Monday. The extent of the moisture, and whether it will lead to any precipitation in the area, is still up in the air. TRAFFIC:A motorisit called 911 last night from Humprhey Station about 9:00 pm to report a huge cloud of dust and the roadway covered with a layer of dust as well. They were unsure whether this was caused by someone spinning out off of the dirt shoulder, or if a vehicle had gone over the side at that point along Tollhouse Road. A CHP officer was sent to investigate. Along SR 168 and Littlefield Road last night at about 10:15 pm, what appeared to be a nearly new Chevy vehicle had an accident severe enough to require the assistance of Eagle Towing to haul off the damaged vehicle. No injuries were noted in the CHP report.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sunrise:
6:19 am - Sunset: 7:42 pm
Today:
High: 99/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 62/Clear
WEATHER: Another relatively clear day and blue skies are in store for Tollhouse residents today, with temperatures just at, or slightly above normal for this time of year.The Weather Service says that we'll make it to 99 today, but with the noon temperature at 93, it appears that we'll make it over the century mark today. The current long range forecast calls for more of the same. More than one local resident has commented on the fact that this summer, so far, has been quite a bit more comfortable than last years. TRAFFIC: Those entering the foothills this morning, along SR 168, may have been surprised to see a male bovine type animal taking a stroll about 10:30 am. The bull was eventually driven off the roadway and up a nearby hill by about 11:45 am. It would have been interesting to see what happened to any red colored vehicles that happened by in that time frame. (smile) Road crews are working this week on a stretch of SR 168 about 3 to 5 miles below Prather. They are advising that a flagman will be present from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week, leading to possible 20 minute delays at times. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: With the start of the new school year, the big yellow school bus is making it's morning and afternoon rounds through Tollhouse once again, with the youngins lined up in the mornings near the old post office building, and indeed along the highways and byways that make up our area. Just remember to drive carefully as you're heading to work in the mornings to make sure that you take the extra time and care to make sure that they and you are safe, especially until they and you get used to the routine once again.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunrise:
6:18 am - Sunset: 7:43 pm
Today:
High: 99/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 60/Clear
WEATHER:Tollhousians continued to see clear skies today, while most of the smoke of the Zaca fire remained to the south of Fresno County. This situation is expected to continue for the next few days. Temperatures warmed today compared to yesterday, and are expected to remain just shy of, or just slightly over the century mark through the work week. A high pressure system keeping the smoke out of our area extends all the way to West Texas. This same high pressure system is also responsible for keeping Hurricaine Dean, which just reached Categorey 5 status this evening, well to the south of Texas. TRAFFIC:No major traffic incidents have come to our attention today. It appears that people are being careful on local roadways. With a new round of students out there, many of which are driving to school for the first time, it's good to remember that we all should be extra careful on our local roadways with the beginning of school. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:Folks that live in the foothills are never completely surprised about some of the strange things that can happen in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Today was one of those days that just go to prove that this axiom is indeed true. Much as happened nearly 2 years ago, another frozen airman was found in a remote area of Kings Canyon National Park in an area left nearly bare by a receding glacier as a result of this years 29% of normal snowfall. In a bit of irony, the remains were discovered by an author writing a book about the original discovery of Leo Mustonen in the same area. The author, taking photos and researching the book was originally looking for the engines of the aircraft which crashed in the area in 1942, and which Mustonen was a crew member. DNA was obtained from surviving family members of the 4 crew members missing from this training flight in an effort to identify Mustonen, and these samples will also be used to identify the crewman found today.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sunrise:
6:17 am - Sunset: 7:45 pm
Today:
High: 90/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 58/Mostly Clear
WEATHER: Tollhousians awoke today to some of the clearest skies they've seen all week and to a repeat of yesterday's cooler than seasonal temperatures. The Weather Service said we wouldn't make it over 90 today, but with the winds having shifted and the smoke from the Zaca fire not creating overcast conditions, we made it to 96 this afternoon. TRAFFIC: Powerhouse Road was reopened this morning after being closed overnight due to yesterday's fires. Other than that, with school back in session already up here and starting tomorrow for many schools down in the valley, most of the Flatlanders were out getting school supplies rather than visiting the mountains, so traffic was relatively light in the foothills today. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: Even you may have noticed (smile) that we've been gone for awhile. Our webmasters job with a recently, rapidly expanding real estate firm (taking care of their computers) has been keeping him busy. He's managed to help set up the pages on the website to get it current and will be joined by Michele who will be helping to keep the articles more up to date on the site. For those that have written and expressed their missing our little hometown updates, we thank you most kindly.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Sunrise:
6:16 am - Sunset: 7:46 pm
Today:
High: 90/Partly Smoky
Tonight:
Low: 56/Clear
WEATHER:Tollhousians continue to see the words Partly Smoky in the weather forecast. This rather unusual item in the forecast is because of the continuing smoke from the long burrning Zaca fire, in Santa Barbara County. Depending on the weather, the prevailing winds can, at times, blow large billows of smoke over our area, such as the ones that caused the nearly complete overcast on Thursday of this week. The Weather Service tells us that the prevailing winds will shift by Sunday as a low pressure trough moves through Northern California, moving the smoke, at least for awhile, to the south and east of us. In the meantime, the trough will also be responsible for cooler than normal high temperatures for the next two days. TRAFFIC:A vehicle caught fire early this afternoon on Powerhouse Road, several miles north of Auberry and led to a vehicle being burned. That was the least of concerns, however, as the burning vehicle also started a fire in the area. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:About 3:30 this afternoon, a fire, apparently started by a burning vehicle, started a fire along both sides of Powerhouse Road several miles north of Auberry. Nearly 150 firefighters and a number of pieces of equipment were dispatched to the fire. Fortunately, firemen were able to contain the blaze within about 2 hours, and limited the fire to about 16 acres. However, while that fire was being contained, another fire broke out further down the canyon from the first one. Owing to the amount of equipment and resources already in the area, fire crews were able to extinguish this second fire rapidly and limited it's spread to only about 2 acres. The CHP ordered Powerhouse Road closed at the Fresno/Madera County line to the north, and Wish-I-Ah to the south to allow fire fighting equipment still in the area to function freely. The road is expected to remain closed through this evening.
Email Friend
