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Onslaught of winter rain continues in Sacramento: Which areas are at risk for flooding?

In roughly the past 72 hours, the Sacramento region has endured heavy rainfall, accumulating an estimated 2 to 3 inches of rain across the region.

Cal Expo, Rio Linda and Arden Arcade have received heavier precipitation than most areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologists predict more is to come.

The weather service has not issued a flood watch or warning for the area, but localized pools are possible during heavy rainfall.

Here’s what you need to know about how to prepare for flooding:

Is my Sacramento home at risk for flooding?

As the rainy season continues, residents should keep informed on weather updates for the Sacramento region.

Here are the areas in Sacramento considered at high risk for flooding:

Where Sacramento County could flood

This map shows the 100-year floodplain in Sacramento County as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Areas in blue are considered at high risk for flooding, with a 1% chance of flooding annually and a 26% of flooding over the 30-year life of a mortgage. Properties in these areas are required by mortgage lenders to carry flood insurance. Use the magnifying glass to search for your address, or zoom in to see your neighborhood more closely. Toggle the basemap to see satellite imagery of the region.
Source: FEMA. Map: NATHANIEL LEVINE

How can I prepare for flooding in Sacramento?

A semi truck drives on Highway 99 on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 1, 2023, past abandoned cars that were stranded amid flooding Dillard Road in south Sacramento County.
A semi truck drives on Highway 99 on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 1, 2023, past abandoned cars that were stranded amid flooding Dillard Road in south Sacramento County. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com

According to the California Department of Water Resources, you can prepare for flooding by following three steps:

  • Be aware: Check to see if your home is in a flood zone and stay updated on weather alerts.
  • Be prepared: Have a flood evacuation plan ready with a prepared emergency evacuation kit and copies of your important documents.
  • Take action: Evacuate when you are advised to.

Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so the department recommends purchasing flood insurance

The city of Sacramento states you can prepare for a flooding emergency before it happens by having an emergency kit ready to go.

Emergency flood kits should include:

  • Important documents, such as copies of birth certificates and insurance policies
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Radio powered by batteries
  • Medication
  • Food and water that will last at least three days
  • Cat carriers, dog leashes and pet food
Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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