Flood watch issued for Sacramento area due to ‘excessive rainfall.’ Here’s how to stay safe
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Sacramento area on Friday as rain returned to the region.
Parts of the Sacramento Valley are expected to receive 1.5 to 3 inches of rain between Friday afternoon and Sunday.
More rain is forecast to fall in the Sacramento area through Thursday.
As of Friday, areas of the Sierra Nevada above 4,500 feet elevation were under a winter weather advisory through early Sunday morning, with up to 10 inches of snow forecast through Sunday.
Here’s what you need to know:
When is flood watch in effect?
The flood watch will be in effect from noon on Friday, Jan. 31, through 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, due to the “potential for flooding caused by excessive rainfall,” the weather service said.
Which areas are at risk of flooding?
The flood watch affects areas below 3,000 feet elevation in much of the Sacramento Valley, according to forecaster Sara Purdue with the weather service’s Sacramento office.
The impacted region ranges as far north as Siskiyou County and as far south as Turlock and Mariposa, encompassing much of the Sacramento area and the Bay Area.
Cities at risk of flooding include:
- Sacramento
- Modesto
- Stockton
- Tracy
- Placerville
- Marysville
- Grass Valley
- Oroville
Purdue said low-lying urban areas and roads could see “decent flooding,” while creeks, rivers and streams could have “sharp rises” in water level.
Foothill areas may experience mud and rock slides.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service said in its flood watch.
The weather service was not concerned about widespread flooding as of Friday, according to Purdue.
Is my Sacramento County home in a flood zone?
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, here are the areas in Sacramento considered at high risk for flooding:
To see if you live in a flood-risk area, you can type your address into FEMA’s flood map service center.
How do I stay safe when water rises?
Purdue provided tips from the weather service to protect yourself and your family in flood conditions:
- Never drive through flooded roads
- Have a plan for evacuation and maintain an evacuation kit
- If you live near waterways, be aware of sharply rising water levels
According to the city of Sacramento, 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
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 10:57 AM.
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