Stay Safe During Storms

​​​​​​​​​​​​*This story will be updated as new information becomes available 

UPDATE Jan. 23, 2023 10:40 a.m. 

Disaster Assistance Available 

Residents who suffered losses from the storms should contact their insurance companies first. Insurance delivers the majority of financial help in disasters. For losses not covered by insurance, residents can register for disaster assistance in four ways: 

1. Online through disasterassistance.gov, 
   
2. Use the FEMA App, 
   
3. Call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY), or 
4. Visit the Local Assistance Center. 

​2022-2023 Winter Storm Disaster Recovery Local Assistance Center​

To support residents and businesses that have suffered disaster-related losses or damages, Sacramento County has opened a Local Assistance Center (LAC) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Office of Emergency Services.

The LAC provides recovery direction, assistance and resources to recover from a disaster as a temporary one-stop shop and includes FEMA individual recovery assistance, California Department of Insurance, DMV, Public Health, County Economic Development and Behavioral Health Services linkage. 

Local Assistance Center

Chabolla Community Center​

Address – 600 Chabolla Ave, Galt, CA 95632​

Hours – Daily, 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

• Disaster Relief Financial Assistance and Information
• Replacements for Lost Or Damaged Personal Documents
• Tax Assistance and Information for People and Businesses
  
• Agribusiness Specific Assistance and Information
• Insurance Information and Assistance
• Debris Management Information and Assistance
• Legal Information and Assistance
• And, more!

Snacks and water will also be available. 

Find out about applying for FEMA disaster assistance.  ​

​UPDATE Jan. 18, 2023 4:00 p.m.​
To support residents and businesses that have suffered disaster-related losses or damages, Sacramento County has opened a Local Assistance Center (LAC) starting today, Jan. 18, 2023, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Officer of Emergency Services, at the Chabolla Community Center, 600 Chabolla Ave, Galt, CA 95632. ​Learn more. 

​UPDATE Jan. 17, 2023 10:45 a.m.​
The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is lifting the Evacuation Warning for residents living in the Wilton, Rancho Murieta, Herald and Dillard Road area.

The County would like to remind residents returning home that moderate rain and winds are expected this week and conditions can change rapidly. Those returning home or venturing out onto the roads should remain alert to localized flooding and road conditions, emergency response and maintenance crews are still working to clear roads and restore outages. 

Read the news story to learn more.​ 

​UPDATE Jan. 15, 2023 12:15 p.m.
The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is lifting the Evacuation Order for residents living in the Wilton area, but the warning is still in place for Wilton, Rancho Murieta, Herald and Dillard Road. River levels remain very high and more rain is coming through the area.

The County would like to remind residents returning home that moderate rain and winds are expected this week and conditions can change rapidly. Those returning home or venturing out onto the roads should remain alert to localized flooding and road conditions, emergency response and maintenance crews are still working to clear roads and restore outages. 

Never Drive Through Standing Water

​There is still localized flooding out on many roads. Please review the road closure list before driving out. Never drive around road closure barriers or through standing water.

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2023 3:30 p.m.

Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services has issued an Evacuation Order for Wilton Area due to an anticipated rise in the Cosumnes River ​Levels. Areas impacted are within the area of Highway 16 and Grantline West to Highway 99, South to Valensin, and North East to Dillard and Highway 16. See map for exact evacuation boundaries. An order means flooding is immanent. To avoid danger, evacuate now before roads are flooded. 

An evacuation shelter is located at the Chabolla Center, 600 Chabolla Avenue, Galt, Ca 95632. Call 2-1-1 for additional information. Watch for flooded roads. Never drive through flooded water. Report flooded roads by calling 3-1-1. ​

UPDATE: Jan. 13, 2023, 4 p.m.

​The Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks is closing all parks within its jurisdiction, effective Saturday, Jan. 14. With the series of storms that have hit saturating the area's soil, Regional Parks is preparing for the likely event that the expected 50+ mile per hour wind gusts from the upcoming storm system will bring down a large number of trees.

Regional Parks Rangers and the Sacramento County Homeless Outreach Teams have been doing outreach to individuals camping within the Parkway, urging them to move away from the Parkway and offering shelter and other supportive services. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1.

Read the news story to learn more​.​

UPDATE: Jan. 12, 2023, 1:20 p.m.​
Sacramento County has moved its evacuation shelter/weather respite for unhoused guests to Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Blvd., Building 8) as of Thursday, Jan. 12.

This location has cots, blankets, water, and snacks for guests, as well as crates for pets. 

In addition to serving as an evacuation center, Cal Expo is welcoming unhoused individuals in search of weather respite from throughout the County through partnerships with the City of Sacramento, 2-1-1 Sacramento, and community-based outreach organizations

View the SacCounty Shelter/Weather Respite for Unhoused media advisory​ to learn more. 

​​​​​UPDATE: Jan. 11, 2023, 3:00 p.m.

All Parks within the Regional Parks system will re-open on Thursday, Jan. 12, with the exception of: 

• Discovery Park
• Howe Avenue Access
• Watt Avenue Access
  

• Dry Creek Ranch House Access
• Dry Creek Parking Lot 
• Cherry Island Sports Park ​
  
• Gibson Ranch​
  

Updated Retroactively for: January 10, 2023, 8:30 p.m.

​​Sacramento County has moved its evacuation shelter/weather respite for unhoused guests to Ethel Macleod Hart Senior Center (915 27th St, Sacramento) as of Monday, Jan. 9. This location has cots, blankets, water, and snacks for guests, as well as crates for pets. In addition to an evacuation center, Ethel is welcoming unhoused individuals in search of weather respite from the City of Sacramento. View the SacCounty Shelter/Weather Respite for Unhoused media advisory​ to learn more.

UPDATE: Jan. 10, 2023, 1:30 p.m. 

All Sacramento County Regional Parks facilities, including parks and trails, will remain closed through Wednesday, Jan. 11. 

View the media advisory to learn more. 

UPDATE: Jan. 10, 2023, 11:00 a.m.

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is lifting the Evacuation Order for residents living in the Wilton area. 

The County would like to remind residents returning home that moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected this weekend and into next week and conditions can change rapidly. Those returning home should remain alert to localized flooding and road conditions, emergency response and maintenance crews are still working to clear roads and restore outages.

View the media advisory to learn more. 

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2023, 10:45 a.m. 

The Sacramento County Coroner has released the names of two individuals that died due to storm related incidents. Both decedents were unhoused at the time of their death.

• ​Date of Death: 1/7/23
  
• Location: North 5 St., south of American River
  
• Name: Rebekah Rohde, 40 year old female, Unhoused
  
• Date of Death: 1/8/23
  
• Location: Roseville Road near Tri Stations Road in North Highlands, CA
• Name: Steven Sorensen, 61 year old male, Unhoused 

The two decedents were found with trees on top of their tents; official cause and manner are pending examination. ​

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2023, 10:30 p.m.

The City of Sacramento has donated the Hart Senior Center located in James Marshall Park, 915 27th St., as a general population evacuation center for those needing shelter from the storm.  Sacramento County will be operating this shelter with support from the American Red Cross. Transportation is available. For more information, please call 2-1-1. ​

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2023, 8:00 p.m.
The Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks is closing all parks within its jurisdiction, effective Monday, Jan. 9. With the series of storms that just passed saturating the area's soil, Regional Parks is preparing for the likely event that the expected 50-60 mile per hour wind gusts from the upcoming storm system will bring down a large number of trees. For more information, check out the park closure news story. 

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2023, 6:00 p.m.​

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services has issued an evacuation order for residents living in the Wilton area, effective immediately. Flooding is imminent. Out of an abundance of caution, residents must leave now before roads become impassable. Rising water may spill over onto the nearest roadways and cut off access to leave the area. Last weekend, exit routes flooded quickly for residents leaving Wilton, so we are urging residents to get out now.​ View the media advisory to learn more​. 

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2023, 9:00 a.m.​

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., on Sunday, January 8, the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is warning those in the Wilton area to leave the area, now. Rising water may spill over onto the nearest roadways and cut off access to leave the area. Last weekend, exit routes flooded quickly for residents leaving Wilton, so we are urging residents to get out now while roads are still clear; don’t wait for an evacuation order.  View the media advisory to learn more​. 

UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2023, 3:00 p.m.

More Strong Storms Arriving Monday

The Sacramento area is expecting more strong storms starting Monday, January 9. Stay updated about storm information, possible localized flooding and in extreme cases, localized evacuation warnings. ​

• Signup for emergency notifications on Sacramento-alert.org​  
• Be Aware. Be Prepared. Go to StormReady.org 
  
• Prepare for Storms and Floods at SacramentoReady.saccounty.gov 
  
• Take Residential Property Storm Debris to Waste Disposal Facilities  
• Find Sandbag Locations at Sandbag.SacCounty.net 
  
• Monitor Local Waterways at SacFlood.org 
  
• Heed Road Closure Signs and Check Road & Lane Closures  ​​
  
• Locate 2022/23 Winter Storm Evacuation Shelters and Resources​ 
  
• Report Residential Disaster Damage

UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2023, 2:30 p.m.

The PCA Bridge crossing at Lower Sunrise to Sacramento Bar is now CLOSED. 

In addition to the six parks that remained closed on Jan. 5, the following parks will be closed, effective Jan. 7. 

• Gristmill 
• Sailor Bar Boat Launch (Illinois Access)

UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2023, 9:05 a.m.

Orders Lift as Storm Calms, Stay Vigilant

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is lifting the Evacuation Order for residents living in the Point Pleasant area, the evacuation warning for Glanville Track and Franklin Pond, and the Shelter In Place Order for residents living in the Wilton area. 

The County would like to remind residents returning home that rain and winds are expected this upcoming weekend and into next week and conditions can change rapidly. 

Learn more at https://www.saccounty.gov/news/latest-news/Pages/Orders-Lift-as-Storm-Calms-Stay-Vigilant.aspx.

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 2023, 10 p.m.

All Parks within the Regional Parks system will re-open on Friday, Jan. 6, with the exception of: 

• Discovery Park
• Howe Avenue Access
• Watt Avenue Access
• Dry Creek Ranch House Access
• Dry Creek Parking Lot 
• Cherry Island Sports Park ​

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 2023, 8:50 p.m.

The Sacramento County Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance and safety of roads in the unincorporated County. When the department receives reports of flooding on County roads, staff will investigate and close the road as needed. In response to the Shelter-in-Place Order issued at 3:15 p.m. to Wilton residents, Dillard Road was closed on Saturday at 3:56 p.m. Direction was given to residents in the Shelter in Place order who were currently on Dillard Road that they should continue to safety toward the Wackford Center. The order also stated that those residents who were home should stay at home. This closure was in place prior to the major flooding later on New Year’s Eve night.   

In addition to multiple road closures, the County sent out warnings on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for imminent flooding through social media, media advisories, website posts and alert systems. Messaging included warnings of flooding, storm safety tips, warnings about local waterways, instructions to subscribe to Emergency Alert notifications and where to follow for the most up-to-date information. The County put out messaging about not driving through flooded streets with the national message of “turn around, don’t drown.”

All of the properties along both sides of the Cosumnes River, and their levees, are privately owned and were independently constructed by landowners over time for farming purposes, not for flood protection. Reclamation District 800's district and levees begin at Rancho Murieta in the north along the Cosumnes River and end at Freeman Road. There are no levees south of Freeman Road, although some land owners have created berms.

The property owners along the river are responsible for levees on their land, except for those who are in a reclamation district. The reclamation district secures an easement from property owners in order to take care of the maintenance needs. Reclamation District 800 does not have means to bring the levee system up to a higher flood standard. Further, no amount of levee work can control flooding on Hwy 99. Highway 99 is low and subject to flooding.

Sacramento County’s Department of Water Resources staff are working with levee owners to identify and document any levee breaks and to assist them in obtaining any available state or federal funding for repairs, once waters recede and conditions are safe.​

UPDATE: Jan. 4, 2023, 8:00 p.m.

Be Prepared for Strong Winds and Power Outages

With the coming storm bringing strong winds and power outages, the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services would like to remind the public of the following: 

• Be prepared for an evacuation. Gather supplies that will last for several days after the disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. 
• Prepare a basic emergency kit that will contain the items you may need.
  • Several changes of clothes
  • Hygiene products
  • Portable cell phone charger and spare cables
    
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Fresh drinking water
  • Pet food​
• Prepare for wind. Secure yard items that may blow around and be prepared for the possibility of loss of power. For downed power lines, stay away and call 9-1-1 immediately. 
• Prepare for power outages. Use flashlights, do not use unattended candles. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve your food.
• Watch for tree limbs. For downed trees or branches in the roadway, County residents can go online or call 311 (or 916-875-4311 if calling from out of the area).  
• Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster. Secure alternate room accommodations or shelter if you need to evacuate.
• Check on elderly family members, friends or neighbors. Seniors and those with serious medical conditions are at risk. Check on community members that might be vulnerable to ensure they are safe and warm. 
• Heat your home safely - carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is not OK to heat your home with any kind of BBQ, propane heater, or any other fuel combustion equipment due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use heaters installed with your home, and those designed to be used indoors. Make sure that your natural gas furnaces and other appliances are in good, clean working order. 
• When raining, reduce your vehicle speed. Increase the distance and time needed to stop your vehicle on wet roads. ​
  
• Sign-up for Emergency Alerts. This system alerts residents about emergency events and other important public safety information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.    
  
• Where to get help. Call 211 in Sacramento or go to 2-1-1 online for information on emergency shelter services. 

UPDATE: Jan. 4, 2023, 3:40 p.m.

Dillard Ranch sandbag site has closed. 

UPDATE: Jan. 3, 2023, 7:35 p.m.

The Cosumnes River is a wild river, meaning it has no dam to control flooding.  The levees were constructed to reclaim the land for agriculture and are generally rated to manage the 10-year flood. When a large storm occurs, such as this week's event, the wider extent of the floodplain, shown in shading below, is realized.  

There have been several media inquiries into issues around flooding at Dillard and Highway 99 and what caused it, what levee work can be done to prevent it, and who the property owners are along specific sections of the south side of the Cosumnes River.

All of the properties along both sides of the Cosumnes River, and their levees, are privately owned. Reclamation District 800's district and levees begin at Rancho Murieta in the north along the Cosumnes River and end at Freeman Road. There are no levees south of Freeman Road, although some land owners have created berms.

The property owners along the river are responsible for levees on their land, except for those who are in a reclamation district. The reclamation district secures an easement from property owners in order to take care of the maintenance needs. Reclamation District 800 does not have means to bring the levee system up to a higher standard. Further, no amount of levee work can control flooding on Hwy 99. Highway 99 is low and subject to flooding.

The County is not going to release the names of the private property owners.

.UPDATE: Jan. 3, 2023, 3 p.m.

The Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks is closing all parks within its jurisdiction, effective Wednesday, Jan. 4 through at least Thursday, Jan 5. With the storm that just passed saturating the area's soil, Regional Parks is preparing for the likely event that gusts from the upcoming storm system will bring down a large number of trees.

The American River Multi-Use and Dry Creek Parkway trails will also be closed, so bicycle commuters are urged to find alternative routes.

Updated Retroactively for: January 1, 2023, 3:20 p.m.

Evacuation Order Issued for Point Pleasant Area

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services has issued an evacuation order for residents living in the Point Pleasant area. Flooding is eminent. Residents must leave now before the sun goes down affecting the ability to see flooded areas and before roadways are cut off. It is expected that the flooding from the Cosumnes River and the Mokelumne River is moving southwest toward I-5 and the Point Pleasant area is expected to be flooded in the middle of the night. Evacuation Center: Wackford Community Center, 9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758.

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2022, 9:35 p.m.​

Flash Flood Warning for Area of Wilton

The National Weather Service sent a flash flood warning to residents at Cosumnes Road and Wilton Road, due to an imminent levee failure in that area on the Cosumnes River. Residents have been advised to seek higher ground immediately.

South of Wilton Road

West of Cosumnes River

North of Gay Road

Residents are advised to call 2-1-1 for further information and to only call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2022, 6:05 p.m.

​The story has been updated to include a sixth sandbag location.

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2022, 3:20 p.m.  ​

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is ordering residents living in Wilton to shelter in place. Rising water has made roads impassable in the area. Residents currently on Dillard Road should continue to safety toward the Wackford Center, 9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758. Those who are at home should stay at home. 

For more information, see the Shelter in Place Order Media Advisory​​. ​​​

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2022, 2:30 p.m.  ​

This story has been updated to include a fifth sandbag location.​

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2022, 1:40 p.m.  ​

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is warning residents living in Wilton to leave the area now. Rising water may spill over onto the nearest roadways and cut off access to leave the area.

An evacuation center has been identified as Wackford Community Center, 9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758.​ For more information, see the Evacuation Warning Media Advisory​. ​

12/30/2022 Update: ​

The Sacramento area will be experiencing heavy rains over the next few days. It is critical that residents stay updated about storm information, possible localized flooding and in extreme cases, localized evacuation warnings. 

If you haven’t already, sign up for direct alerts to your phone or email through Sacramento-alert.org. These alerts will only be sent out for critical em​ergency information that impacts your regional area. Sign up today! 

Park Closures

The Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks is closing several park properties along the American River and Dry Creek Parkways to prepare for anticipated flooding. 

Along the American River Parkway, the following parks will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 30

• Discovery Park
• Howe Avenue Access
• Watt Avenue Access

Along the Dry Creek Parkway, the following properties will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 30.

• Dry Creek Ranch House Access
• Dry Creek Parking Lot 
• Cherry Island Sports Park 

The above-mentioned properties will remain closed until further notice.

Sandbag Stations

Five sandbag locations are open for residents in the unincorporated areas of the County: 

• ​Branch Center (3847 Branch Center Rd.)
• Orangevale Community Center (6826 Hazel Ave.)
• Westside Park (6555 West 2nd St.)
• Wilton Fire Station (10661 Alta Mesa Road)
  
• Point Pleasant United Methodist Church (3329 Point Pleasant Road)

More sandbag locations will open if the threat of additional flooding grows.

Sacramento County supplies the sand and bags, but residents will need to bring a shovel. There is a 20-bag limit per visit. 

Residents living within city boundaries will need to check with their city public works departments for sandbag information. Visit www.stormready.org for more information and other flood-related topics.

Keep an Eye on Local Waterways

The approaching storms could see a quick rise in Sacramento County rivers, creeks and streams. Follow the levels of those near you at www.sacflood.org.

The National Weather Service California Nevada River Forecast Center is forecasting that the river gauges at Michigan Bar will reach flood stage. Wilton residents are advised to take any precautionary actions they feel appropriate to protect themselves or their property. McConnell and Benson’s Ferry are in monitor stage. Flooding forecasts are predictions based on current weather pattern forecasts and are subject to change as weather and river conditions change.  

For more information visit www.sacflood.org or the California Nevada River Forecast Center website.

Be Aware of Road Closures

If you need to drive around impacted areas, check the Waze app to ensure there are no flooded roads on your route. 

Plan Ahead 

Find out what you can do to prepare and protect yourself, your family and your property during storms and floods by visiting the Sacramento Ready website. 

During an evacuation, keep in mind the 5 P’s:

• People
• Pets
• Prescriptions
• Photos
• Papers

Don’t Forget About Pets

Bring your pets inside during the storm. Before letting pets into the yard, double-check that fences have not been knocked down and gates have not blown open. Pets should wear their ID tags even when they are indoors and owners should make sure their microchips are up-to-date. Livestock should be protected by dry, draft-free shelters. For more information about how to keep pets and livestock safe during winter weather conditions, visit the Animal Care Services Cold Weather Tips webpage. If you lose your pet or find a stray pet in unincorporated Sacramento County, visit the Animal Care Services website for help with what to do next.

Stay Safe Out There

If you see street flooding or any traffic hazard due to the storm, call 3-1-1. Do not drive through standing water – turn around, don’t drown!