Many of our local repeaters have emergency networks that are set up with regular weekly drills. Each time there is a moderate or stronger storm they set those nets up and people from all over the county call in with up to date conditions. It's really good info and if you want info on a specific place there is always someone monitoring the net that will give you the info requested right there. We have several different clubs here that are also associated with disaster relief agencies linked in with first responder emergency comm centers. HAM radio, it's not just for off roaders anymore....... 
I have been looking into joining the net here in the AV, and I've been fortunate enough to catch a couple of nets and just listen in. However, I didn't have my radio yet when the mud slides happened near Tehachapi and on I-5 (I'm sure the radio waves were buzzing), but I was able to listen in when we had storms up here recently. People here in the desert are easily excitable when it comes to weather.
