RIO LINDA, CA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento has extended the Flood Advisory for Sacramento County, including Rio Linda and Elverta, through 9:00 PM PST this evening, Sunday, Jan. 4.
Forecasters report that flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to impact the region. As of 2:07 PM, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain persisting across the area. Between 0.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have already fallen, with runoff causing issues in poor drainage areas.
Impacts for Rio Linda:
- Roadway Flooding: Local law enforcement has reported flooded roadways. Motorists should be vigilant for water ponding at intersections and low-lying spots common in Rio Linda.
- Drainage Issues: Overflowing of poor drainage areas is occurring or imminent.
- Advisory Area: While the automated NWS alert lists cities like Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Roseville, the advisory effectively covers the entire valley floor in our area.
SacDOT has closed Sorento Rd between Elverta Rd & Rio Linda Rd due to flooding.
Looking Ahead: Monday Forecast
According to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast discussion, Rio Linda residents can expect lingering impacts into Monday morning, Jan. 5.
While the heaviest rainfall is expected to move out of the valley by late Sunday night, a chance of showers remains for the Monday morning commute. The main upper-level system is slowly shifting east, but “wrap-around” moisture may keep conditions damp before drier weather arrives on Tuesday.
- Monday Morning: Mostly cloudy with a lingering chance of showers.
- Monday Afternoon: Precipitation chances decrease, though skies will likely remain cloudy.
- Tuesday: Dry conditions are expected to return, with colder overnight lows.
Monitor Local Stream Levels
With ground saturation high, residents concerned about local creeks—particularly Dry Creek or the Natomas East Main Drainage Canal—can monitor water levels in real-time.
Sacramento County Water Resources operates the ALERT System (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time), which provides up-to-the-minute data on stream levels and rainfall gauges throughout the county.
- Check Stream Levels Here: Sacramento County ALERT System (sacflood.org)
- County Water Resources: waterresources.saccounty.net
Precautionary Actions: The National Weather Service reminds all drivers: Turn around, don’t drown. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway, as the depth of water is often deceptive and the roadbed may be washed out.
