Flash flood watches issued for Northern California wildfire burn scars as rain hits region

Northern California received an unusual amount of rainfall over the weekend with more to come, raising concerns for flash floods in the region.

According to the National Weather Service, there are flash flood watches for the Mosquito Fire burn scar until Wednesday. The western side of the Sierras is susceptible to flash flood due to the “ash and debris flows caused by moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms.” Residents in the area should prepare to evacuate if advised by local officials.

West of Sacramento, the LNU Lighting Complex burn scars are also of concern for flash flooding. The fires burned through Napa, Sonoma, Yolo , Lake and Solano counties in 2020. The flash flood warning for the LNU area will be in place through Monday evening.

There are also risks of localized flooding in the Sacramento region, specifically on streets with poor drainage.

The weather service advises that you avoid driving through flooded areas. However, If you encounter yourself in a flooded roadway you should heed barricades and not drive around them.

Some other tips for driving in flooding areas by the NWS:

• If you are in a high risk flooding area, get to higher ground.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of your vehicle and you do risk losing control.
• Avoid parking your car next to streams and washed areas during threatening conditions.
• If you can, just avoid driving through a flooded area.
• Monitor the flash floods in your area with the NOAA Weather Radio.

This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 2:12 PM.