A portion of northern California, including the Northern San Joaquin Valley, is under a flood watch which remains in effect through Sunday morning, March 12. The communities of Oakdale, Escalon and Riverbank are included in the National Weather Service advisory.

The watch is in effect for elevations below 4,000 feet and the watch area also includes: Burney Basin/Eastern Shasta County, Carquinez Strait and Delta, Central Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley, Northern Sacramento Valley, Shasta Lake Area/Northern Shasta County, Southern Sacramento Valley, West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall and snow melt is possible.

Heaviest rain is expected Thursday night, March 9 into Friday, March 10.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

Additional details are available at http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Residents throughout the watch area should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.