In preparation for the predicted storm this weekend, we are asking residents to prepare now for the inclement weather conditions in several ways. The combination of moderate to heavy precipitation and windy conditions may bring power outages, downed trees, flooding, and heavy snow fall to the Sierras.
UPDATED 1/6/17
There may be flooding in low-lying areas traditionally known to flood and areas near creeks and streams. City of Sacramento will offer two self-service locations where sandbags can be picked up at no charge, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sandbags are limited to 10 per vehicle. Locations in the City of Sacramento include:
- The North Area Corporation Yard, located at 918 Del Paso Road.
- South Area Corporate Yard, located at 5730 24th Street.
- Please visit Sacramento County’s website for additional locations throughout the county.
Del Paso Boulevard Floodgates will be closed Saturday
City of Sacramento will close the Del Paso Boulevard floodgates, located between Railroad Drive and Northgate Boulevard, this Saturday, January 7.
Floodgates will be closed by 12 p.m. in preparation for the possibility of increased water levels and other impacts of the predicted storm. It is unknown how long the gates will be closed.
Road Closure Information:
Northgate Boulevard will be closed between Garden Highway and Del Paso Boulevard. Del Paso Boulevard will be closed between Northgate Boulevard and Railroad Drive. Motorists should prepare to take alternate routes.
Del Paso Floodgates Information:
The Department of Public Works coordinates with the Department of Utilities to determine when to close the floodgates. The departments routinely close the floodgates when the water reaches 23.5 feet at the bridge on Northgate Boulevard and Garden highway. Del Paso is a primary floodgate that is closed due to localized flooding. The floodgate is manually installed and takes about two hours to assemble.
Sacramento depends on a network of 15 floodgates to keep the City dry when rivers rise. The floodgates seal off roadway openings in levees that allow traffic to flow in dry times.
- In case of an emergency, the City encourages residents to register with the emergency alerts notification system.
- Check out Flood Ready for more information, and learn how to have an emergency plan in place. You can also visit Sacramento Ready for more information on how you can prepare your family and community for a flooding disaster.
- The drought has impacted the health and structural conditions of many trees. As part of routine maintenance, it is important to have a certified arborist inspect trees for any potential issues. In high winds and wet weather, fallen trees or broken tree branches can seriously damage property.
- Limit leaf disposal on the street. During Leaf Season, customers are encouraged to fill their yard waste container FIRST before putting leaves on the street for collection. If a storm is expected, put your leaves on the lawn until it is closer to your anticipated collection day. If you have a pile of leaves on the street, please use a broom to ensure that water can flow down the gutter and that storm drain inlets are not plugged.
- The Front Street Shelter urges pet owners to protect pets from the elements, have dry bedding and make sure your fence lines are secure.
- High river levels are expected in many areas of the Sacramento County Regional Park system. As a result, many areas will be closed along the American and Dry Creek Parkways. County Park Rangers will be contacting people in and around the Parkway on Wednesday, Jan. 4, and Thursday, Jan. 5, in areas prone to flooding, advising people to seek higher ground in order to remain safe during the storm.
If there is street flooding that is not eased by moving leaves off a drain grate, trees down, street signs, streetlights or traffic signals out, visit the City’s on-line request tool at Sac311.org or call 311. The City has crews 24/7 to respond to requests.
With the gusty winds, localized power outages are possible as outdoor decorations, tree limbs and patio furniture are carried into power lines. Power outages should be reported to SMUD 1-888-456-SMUD (7683). If you see a downed power line, DO NOT TOUCH IT, call 9-1-1.