Sacramento, CA winter storm and flood prep: a homeowner's checklist
Sacramento, CA winter storm and flood prep starts before the first big storm: clear gutters and drains, locate your water and power shutoffs, photograph belongings, and check flood insurance now, because federal policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. Atmospheric rivers supply roughly 30 to 50 percent of California’s annual precipitation, per the Department of Water Resources. A short flood prep routine now also makes any cleanup later easier to document.
Know the season
NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for Sacramento, CA, show about 19.20 inches of precipitation a year, with the wettest months being January (3.87 inches), February (3.63), December (3.49) and March (2.82). The rain is concentrated in winter, and storms can be intense. California’s Department of Water Resources reports that atmospheric rivers typically supply about 30 to 50 percent of the state’s annual precipitation.
What the 2022-23 storms showed
A series of atmospheric rivers in late December 2022 and January 2023 produced river and urban flooding in California. NOAA’s California Nevada River Forecast Center reports multiple levee breaks on the Cosumnes River that closed State Route 99 in southern Sacramento County, with dozens of water rescues. It is a reminder that local flooding can arise fast and that roads can close.
Home checklist
Clear gutters, downspouts and yard drains; direct downspout discharge away from the foundation; check roof flashing, window seals and garage door seals; find and label your water main, and know where the electrical panel is; keep important documents in a waterproof container; photograph or video your belongings room by room.
Insurance timing
Homeowners policies generally do not cover flood. Federal flood insurance policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buying one when a storm is forecast is typically too late. Ask your agent. The Army Corps of Engineers describes the Sacramento region as relying on an aging levee system with major upgrades under way; that is context, not a prediction.
Staying safe
Do not drive through floodwater, and do not walk through water of unknown depth. Follow local emergency instructions. After a storm, if water has entered your building, our flood cleanup and water extraction services explain what we do.
Related guides: what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage and whether homeowners insurance covers burst pipes in California. If water gets in, see flood cleanup and storm and roof leak damage.
Quick answers: Sacramento, CA winter storm and flood prep
Where can I get sandbags?
Contact your city or county public works department; availability varies by jurisdiction.
How do I know if I am in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's flood map service for your address, or ask your lender or insurance agent.
Is my city one of the high-risk areas?
See our service areas for local context on each city.