SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With rain picking up tonight and more rain over the next couple days, there's potential for some rivers and streams in Sacramento County to reach flood stage.
Ahead of another round of winter storms, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is calling on people to steer clear of the water for now.
"One of the challenges we do see is people trying to push the limits of their vehicle," said Captain Parker Wilbourn, spokesperson for the fire district. "They'll inevitably go through that large puddle and that vehicle will get stuck, and they're then trapped in their vehicle. So, we've had to do a number of rescues there."
The incoming weather is not just a concern for vehicles and homes near rivers and streams but also a concern for the homeless population.
"We know that there's going to be an increase in rain and an increase in flows along the American River which potential puts people's lives that live along the embankment in jeopardy," said Wilbourn.
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire crews were out Thursday issuing warnings to people living along the river to evacuate the area as another storm system comes in.
"Our boat crews and helicopter was out basically traveling up and down the river with a loud speaker announcing evacuations, just making sure people get up and out of harm's way," said Wilbourn.
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire will be fully staffed going into the weekend, prepared to perform rescues if needed and ready to help the community.
"We can see elevations of this river of 5 to 10 feet very rapidly throughout the day, and if you're not prepared for that, then you could potentially be a victim," said Wilbourn.
Preparations were also underway on Branch Center Road where Sacramento County set up a sandbag station.
The Rosales family was just one of the groups out filling bags to protect their home from flooding.
"Cause of all the rain, the creeks, they might overflow and it's just better to be safe than sorry," said Natalie Rosales, of Sacramento.
Sacramento County has four stations set up for locals to make their own sandbags. It's open daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
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