Rainstorm prompts flood advisory Sacramento area, 17 Northern California counties
A flood advisory is in effect Thursday across much of the capital region, stretching from Butte County to Turlock including the Sierra foothills, as steady rain from a Pacific storm system posed the threat of minor flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service office in Sacramento, will remain in place through 7 p.m. for 17 counties across the region: Placer, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba.
“Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected,” forecasters said in the alert. Officials warned of ponding on roads, overflowing storm drains and rising creeks in low-lying areas.
By midday, Doppler radar showed moderate to heavy rain falling over much of the region, with 1 to 3 additional inches forecast into the evening, especially in the Sierra foothills.
Latest doppler radar loop for Northern California
Rainfall totals in the Sacramento area through 11 a.m. included:
- 1.30 inches at Chicken Ranch Slough under Alta Arden Expressway
- 0.95 inches at American River College in Old Foothill Farms
- 0.91 inches at Cripple Creek and Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights
- 0.87 inches at Metro Air Park in North Natomas
- 0.75 inches at Mather and Auburn airports
California Highway Patrol officers reported localized flooding on roadways throughout the region, the weather service said.
Cities expected to see localized minor flooding include Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Stockton and Modesto. “Turn around, don’t drown” warnings were issued for motorists encountering flooded streets.
In response to the storm, sandbags are available in unincorporated Sacramento County, as well as Placer County, Yolo County and El Dorado County, according to officials.
In the Sierra Nevada, a winter weather advisory was in effect above 6,500 feet. Snow totals of 3 to 8 inches were expected by Friday morning, with stronger accumulations south of Highway 50. Mountain travel is expected to remain hazardous into Friday due to snow and gusty winds.
Showers will linger into Friday before a brief break in the weather this weekend. Another weaker system could arrive by Sunday, according to meteorologist Idamis Shoemaker at the Sacramento office.
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM.