Updated March 13, 2:54 p.m.
Melting snow from this weekend’s storm and another atmospheric river could result in more flooding throughout the Sacramento region in coming days, with some of the at-risk areas the same as those impacted by the atmospheric rivers that hit Northern California in January.
Heavy snow continues to impact the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and is expected to continue between Monday and early Wednesday.
“There'll be 7000 to 8500 feet [of snow] during the brunt of the storm,” Courtney Carpenter, a meteorologist with the Sacramento branch of the National Weather Service, said during a Monday morning briefing. “Our heaviest rain, snow and strongest winds are expected overnight [Monday] into Tuesday afternoon.”
The range remains under a winter storm warning through 5 p.m. Wednesday, under which travel is strongly discouraged due to “significant reduction of visibility at times.”
Though precipitation will start to cease Wednesday afternoon, Carpenter said “lingering flood impacts” are possible through Friday given a melting snowpack and water moving through rivers.
Another much lighter storm system is expected to move through the Sacramento region from Friday to Saturday, which could be followed by another storm “late weekend into early next week,” she said.
“Current indications are that the bulk of this storm will set up south of the area, so there will be additional rain and snow, but it doesn’t look like anything extremely wet at this point,” Carpenter added.
Here are answers to questions about which areas are likely to flood, what to do if you’re snowed in and more.
Who should be aware of flooding?
The weather service placed much of Northern California, including the Sacramento Valley and the upper San Joaquin Valley, under a flood watch until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Craig Shoemaker, another meteorologist with the Sacramento branch of the weather service, said some rivers in the area could crest — in places also impacted by December and January’s storms — due to the expected impact of the rain on Monday and Tuesday.
Those include the Cosumnes River near Michigan Bar, the Sacramento River near Ord Ferry and Tehama Bridge, and the Tuolumne River near Modesto, though “we're not expecting quite as much rain and the rivers aren't as high, but it could be similar," he said.
And as for melting snow, since the current snowpack is almost double the average amount for this time of year, Andrew Schwartz, lead scientist at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, says people living downstream of the snowpack should know there’s a possibility they may need to evacuate.
“The biggest thing and best thing that you can do to prepare yourself is just keep an eye on what the forecast is, and what watches or warnings are currently out there,” Schwartz said. “Maybe treat it like forest fire season. Have a go bag ready in case you do need to evacuate quickly, but hopefully it doesn't come to that.”
Janna Haynes, a spokesperson with Sacramento County, told CapRadio via email that it’s still “too early to tell” if a shelter-in-place order, evacuation warning or evacuation order will need to be issued for county areas susceptible to floods.
Among the areas under evacuation warning or order during the January storms were Wilton, Rancho Murieta, Herald and Dillard Road.
“River projections do show some flood levels on the Cosumnes River, but those decisions will be made based on a combination of actual rainfall and predicted increases in water resulting from the mountains,” she said.
CapRadio has a guide with more comprehensive tips for flood preparation, including how to prepare if the power goes out and where to find sandbags locally. In Sacramento, there’s also a separate, private sandbag location at the corner of Dillon and Davis Roads, but supply there won’t be replenished once it runs out.
The county is asking anyone who encounters road flooding in the area to call 3-1-1 and to turn around, advising people not to drive through standing water.
Where can I go to get out of the rain?
Both Sacramento County and the city of Sacramento have extended their respective weather respite center openings.
Haynes, the Sacramento County spokesperson, said nearly 500 people are currently being sheltered through county services, with over 400 utilizing the county’s motel respite program, which is referral-only and accepts pets. County respite centers are open through at least Wednesday morning, with the potential of extension depending on weather conditions.
Similarly, city respite centers have been extended through Wednesday morning.
Options in the area for overnight shelter include:
- Department of Human Assistance, 1725 28th St, Sacramento, CA:
- Lobby open 7 p.m.- 7 a.m.
- Capacity is 60 people, accepts pets
- North A Street Shelter, 1400 A St, Sacramento, CA:
- Referral-only for those living in the River district
- Capacity is 30 people
- Sacramento Outreach and Engagement Center, 3615 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA:
- Open 24 hours
- Capacity is 50 people, accepts pets
- North Fifth Street Shelter, 700 North Fifth St, Sacramento, CA:
- Lobby open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Capacity is 20 people, adults only and doesn’t accept pets
The Community Resource Project, which serves the Sacramento, Sutter and Yuba counties, is providing transportation, portable heaters, flashlights, sleeping bags and more for those who may need extra support to weather the storms.
The project will be offering those resources through Wednesday, and anyone interested can call 916-567-5220 for more information.
What happens if I’m snowed in during a storm?
Take care when using a fireplace, stove or space heater, making sure to ventilate if possible and use fire safeguards.
If the heat goes out, the weather service advises it’s crucial to stay hydrated, since dry, cold air can quicken dehydration, and to eat when possible so your body can produce its own heat.
Wearing loose, warm layers of clothing is better than wearing one heavy layer, allowing for clothing to be removed (or added) to adjust body temperature accordingly. Closing unused rooms, blinds and curtains can help preserve heat, as can stuffing towels, rags or blankets in door cracks.
If you have a gas furnace that vents out the roof, the weather service urges people to turn off the unit until the snow melts. Proper ventilation is important so as to avoid carbon monoxide emergencies, which North Tahoe Fire says have been increasingly prevalent this winter due to heavy snow build-up on vents.
“Use caution while clearing snow from rooftops,” the department said in a press release, adding it has also seen an uptick in gas leaks from buried propane tanks, natural gas meters and propane plumbing this winter.
Fire Chief Steve Leighton also noted that an aluminum shovel or ladder that comes into contact with electrical lines connected to a utility line can “easily electrocute and kill a person.”
North Tahoe Fire encourages people to watch a best practices video it put together for propane snow safety.
If I have to drive in the snow, how can I do so safely?
A “winter storm warning” as determined by the weather service means travelers can expect major travel delays, possible road closures and intermittent reduced visibility.
However, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Winter Storm Severity Index, the Sierra Nevada and Shasta County ranges are projected to see “extreme impacts” from the storm.
“Extremely dangerous or impossible driving conditions,” the index note reads. “Travel is not advised.”
If you must travel, go slowly. Fill up on gas before you go and monitor fuel levels closely.
There are tools you can use to track how snow might impact your route:
The California Highway Patrol’s acting commissioner, Sean Duryee, has urged anyone traveling through stormy weather to check their tires and windshield wipers before starting a drive.
“Make sure you have significant tread and that you can travel safely and your tires are inflated properly,” he said. “Either carry chains with you or have studded tires.”
Along with ensuring wiper fluid is full and blades are unbroken, other checks to make include your lights and coolant level.
“Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant,” the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration recommends.
The NHTSA also has a list of supplies to bring in your car in case you get stuck in the storm:
- Blankets and extra clothes to layer for warmth
- Abrasive material (e.g. sand, kitty litter)
- A snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
- A cell phone and charger
- Water, food and any necessary medicine
If you can no longer see due to the snow, pull over until visibility improves and turn off lights so cars won’t follow you.
What happens if I’m stranded in my car during a storm?
Stay in your vehicle.
To stay warm, the National Weather Service says you can run the motor for about 10 minutes an hour, while lowering the window slightly to evade carbon monoxide poisoning. Clearing snow from the exhaust pipe when possible helps stave off potential gas poisoning.
If you need to be rescued, the weather service recommends tying a bright-colored cloth to your car’s antenna or door and, after snow stops falling, showing you need help by raising your car’s hood.
Where can I find weather updates?
The National Weather Service has multiple places you can stay updated on weather changes:
You can also sign up for emergency alerts for your respective county:
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