Flood watch issued for Modesto area due to ‘excessive rainfall.’ Here’s how to stay safe

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Modesto area as rain returned to the region.

Two storm systems were expected to sweep through Stanislaus County, according to a weather service briefing issued Thursday morning.

The first could drop 1 to 1.5 inches of rain on the Modesto area Friday through Sunday, The Modesto Bee previously reported.

The second, expected to hit Monday through Wednesday, could bring an additional 1.5 to 2 inches of precipitation.

Here’s what you need to know:

When is flood watch in effect?

The flood watch will be in effect from noon on Friday, Jan. 31, through 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, due to the “potential for flooding caused by excessive rainfall,” the weather service said.

Which areas are at risk of flooding?

The flood watch affects areas below 3,000 feet elevation in much of the Sacramento Valley, according to forecaster Sara Purdue with the weather service’s Sacramento office.

The impacted region ranges as far north as Siskiyou County and as far south as Turlock and Mariposa, encompassing Modesto, Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Cities at risk of flooding include:

• Modesto
• Sacramento
• Stockton
• Tracy
• Placerville
• Marysville
• Grass Valley
• Oroville

Purdue said low-lying urban areas and roads could see “decent flooding,” while creeks, rivers and streams could have “sharp rises” in water level.

Foothill areas may experience mud and rock slides.

“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service said in its flood watch.

The weather service was not concerned about widespread flooding as of Friday, according to Purdue.

Is my Stanislaus County home in a flood zone?

About 30,000 Stanislaus County residents, or 5.4% of the county’s population, live in moderate risk areas for flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

An additional 10,000 live in high-risk areas.

Flood-prone areas include neighborhoods near the San Joaquin River, Dry Creek and parts of west and south Modesto.

To see if you live in a flood-risk area, you can type in your address into FEMA’s flood map service center.

How do I stay safe when water rises?

Purdue provided tips from the weather service to protect yourself and your family in flood conditions:

• Never drive through flooded roads
• Have a plan for evacuation and maintain an evacuation kit
• If you live near waterways, be aware of sharply rising water levels

To prepare for flooding, ask local officials if your property is in a flood-prone area and learn about flood warning signals and evacuation routes, according to the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services.

You should be ready to survive for three days with an emergency supply kit, which should include:

• A supply of water.
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
• A change of clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• Extra glasses, if needed.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians and key contacts.
• Special items for infants, the elderly, or disabled family members.

You can also prepare by storing important documents in a safe location, knowing how to shut off utilities and protecting your property by elevating key utilities, installing check valves and sealing basements.

This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 11:21 AM.