BAKERSFIELD (AP) — Kern County has declared a local emergency as heavy rains swamp the region.

The Bakersfield Californian reports that the weekend rains left many neighborhoods dealing with high waters with some homeowners stacking sandbags in hopes of staying dry.

There were no reports of serious damage but county officials declared an emergency, saying the order will allow responders to be able to quickly access county resources when needed.

The National Weather Service says nearly three inches of rain had fallen by 6 p.m. Sunday, making it the wettest December day on record for the city.

Around Kern County, flooding, mud slides, falling rocks, crested creeks and downed trees created havoc.

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