Get ready for winter weather in Sacramento

Winter weather can bring heavy rain, strong winds, fallen trees and localized flooding to Sacramento. The City prepares year-round by maintaining more than 31,000 storm drain inlets, 100 pump stations, public trees and other infrastructure.

During storms, City departments coordinate to monitor conditions, respond to flooding and fallen trees, clear debris and share emergency information with residents.

Prepare for winter storms

Prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure loose outdoor items, and make a household communication plan.

Sign up for Sacramento Alert to receive critical emergency notifications about severe weather, flooding, and other public safety concerns.

Sign up for Sacramento Alert

Flood preparedness

Know your flood risk before severe weather arrives. Review the City's flood maps and evacuation planning information.

During an emergency, follow evacuation instructions and routes issued by public safety officials.

Explore flood preparedness resources

Review evacuation maps

Leaf season and the Claw

During leaf season, use your organics container first for leaves and yard waste. Have more than will fit? Place excess material in piles for Claw collection.

Keep piles away from storm drains, bike lanes, and parked cars to help keep streets and drainage areas clear.

Learn about leaf season and Claw collection

Storm drains and drainage

Leaves and debris can block storm drains during heavy rain. Residents can help by keeping leaves away from nearby drains when safe, without entering the street or standing water.

Report clogged City storm drains or street flooding to 311.

Learn how the City prepares for flooding

Trees and storm damage

The City maintains public trees, including those in parks and public rights-of-way, such as street trees. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on private property.

During winter storms, strong winds and saturated soil can cause trees and branches to fall. Residents can report damaged or fallen public trees through Sacramento 311. For immediate life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

City tree information and reporting

Sandbags

Sandbags can help reduce the risk of water entering homes and other structures during heavy rain and localized flooding.

During significant storms, the City may open temporary sandbag distribution locations for residents. Locations and availability depend on storm conditions and will be announced if distribution sites are activated.

Residents in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to prepare in advance and consider purchasing sandbag supplies before storms arrive.

Power outages

Winter storms can cause power outages. Residents can check current outages, view affected areas and find restoration updates through SMUD's online outage map.

View the SMUD Outage Map

Who to call

Here are the contacts for different situations you may encounter.