Elk Grove declares local emergency to respond to violent storms. Here’s how it may help

Elk Grove declared a local emergency Monday to respond to damage from violent storms that have slammed the region.

“These storms have taken a toll on the lives and property of many of our nearby neighbors,” Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said in a statement announcing the declaration and posted to the city’s website. “We grieve with those who have lost loved ones in the floods and send prayers to those who have been evacuated from their homes.

“Our city remains committed to keeping Elk Grove residents safe and supported as we confront the challenges that these winter weather systems continue to bring.”

Three people have died in south Sacramento County flooding triggered by the New Year’s Eve deluge that overwhelmed Highway 99 south of Elk Grove. Pounding rain from a line of atmospheric river storms and Saturday’s violent winds left more damage in their wake.

More rain and anticipated flooding in and around Wilton from a swollen Cosumnes River has sent evacuees to shelters in Elk Grove. Asian Sports Center at 9040 High Tech Court, is open for those told to flee ahead of expected high water overnight. The evacuation order also applies to Elk Grove residents living between Menlo Oaks Court and Bradley Ranch Road.

With the Elk Grove proclamation, the city and residents potentially can receive aid from Sacramento County, state or federal agencies to offset response and clean-up costs, city officials say.

Officials say Elk Grove police and fire crews have responded to hundreds of calls for downed trees, localized flooding and other hazards in the days since storms barreled into the region.

The city order follows a statewide emergency declaration Jan. 4 and a federal emergency declaration issued by President Biden on Monday to speed federal disaster relief.

This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 6:32 PM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

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Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.