Sacramento, CA – Flood concerns are increasing across large portions of Northern and Central California as a series of warm atmospheric river storms is forecast to impact the region from Saturday afternoon through much of Christmas week, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a Flood Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through next Friday afternoon for the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Delta region, Coastal Range, Sierra Nevada, and adjacent foothills. Repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to rising rivers, overflowing creeks, urban flooding, and potential mudslides, especially in foothill and mountain communities.
Cities under this watch include Sacramento, Chico, Redding, Oroville, Stockton, Modesto, Marysville, Fairfield, Grass Valley, Paradise, Quincy, and Jackson, among others. Forecasters warn that prolonged rainfall will increase runoff and strain waterways over several consecutive days.
Meanwhile, in northwest California, the National Weather Service in Eureka reports a Flood Watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for Humboldt County, including Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, McKinleyville, Garberville, and Hoopa. Some higher elevations have already received 2 to 4 inches of rain, prompting concerns for rockslides, landslides, and fast-rising creeks.
In the central Sierra Nevada, the National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Flood Watch from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon for areas below 9,000 feet, including Yosemite Valley, the San Joaquin River Canyon, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, North Fork, and Wawona. Low-water crossings and flood-prone locations may become impassable during heavier rainfall.
Officials urge residents in flood-prone areas to monitor forecasts closely, prepare for possible Flood Warnings, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
More safety information is available at weather.gov/safety/flood.
