Amador County – Wet weather over the weekend is expected to continue this week.

Snowfall in the Amador County Upcountry led to chain control about 3 miles above Pine Grove on Highway 88 early Sunday. East Bay Municipal Utility District anticipated the heavy rain and made capacity available at two reservoirs in Amador County with water releases at Pardee Reservoir and at Lake Camanche. The release rate Friday afternoon at Camanche was reportedly up from 2,400 cubic feet per second to over 3,000 cubic feet per second.

The National Weather Service had predicted a flood watch – a high likelihood of flooding – due to expected heavy rain.

Clouds rolled in Monday over Jackson with pea-sized hail in the afternoon, and slick roads led to reports of at least two vehicles leaving the roadways in Amador County. One included a “vehicle over a cliff” reported at about 3:45 p.m. An east-bound vehicle left Highway 88, east of Climax Road, and a responder reported that he had “made it down to the driver,” who was “conscious and alert and claimed to be uninjured.”

The National Weather Service is predicting a stormy week ahead, with two storms possible, and moderate to heavy rain. The service said rapid rises will be possible on small rivers, creeks and streams across the area.

The service forecasts a 100 percent chance of rain Tuesday night through Thursday, with an 80 percent chance of rain Wednesday night. Rain is predicted to continue through the weekend ahead.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.