FEMA Urges California and Nevada Residents to Heed Flood Warnings

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is cautioning residents in parts of central California and western Nevada to pay attention to local officials as additional heavy rains and flooding are predicted.

The National Weather Service predicts widespread rain, snow and strong winds with scattered thunderstorms bringing a risk of local flash flooding and hail this week.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain for residents in 10 California counties and shelters are open. Minimal power outages may also occur throughout the affected area along with road closures, according to FEMA.

President Biden issued an emergency declaration for California on Friday, authorizing FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in the counties of Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne and Yuba.

FEMA’s most recent safety messaging includes urging residents in affected areas to pay attention to local authorities for information and instructions, and if told to evacuate, do so.

Other FEMA safety tips for flash and localized flooding include:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
• Avoid driving except in cases of emergencies.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Make sure you can receive emergency alerts. Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather alerts, send notifications to loved ones, locate area emergency shelters and more.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Topics California Flood Nevada