Flood Watch in Stockton and San Joaquin County as Christmas Storm Approaches
A flood watch has been issued in Stockton and San Joaquin County in anticipation of heavy rain and strong winds brought by an atmospheric river sweeping across California. The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services warns that these conditions will likely lead to hazardous driving and potential localized flooding through the day after Christmas.
The atmospheric river is expected to deliver the most intense rainfall Tuesday night into Wednesday, with some mountain regions receiving rainfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour. This continued precipitation, combined with saturated soils, elevates the risk of mudslides and debris flows even after the rains subside.
According to Tiffany Cacho, Director of Emergency Operations for San Joaquin County, local agencies are preparing to respond to flooding, power outages, and other storm-related impacts. She urged residents, “We encourage everyone to take steps now to prepare their homes and families for the expected weather.”
Emergency Resources Available in Stockton
To assist residents during this event, Stockton has opened emergency shelters and provided free sandbags at designated sites. These resources include:
- Gospel Center Rescue Mission – 445 S. San Joaquin St.
- St. Mary’s Dining Hall and Shelter – 545 W. Sonora St.
Sandbags are available at the following locations with proof of Stockton residence:
- Stockton Soccer Complex – 10055 N. SR-99, W. Frontage Road
- Weber Point – 221 N. Center St.
- Van Buskirk Park – 1740 Houston Ave.
Residents of San Joaquin County can sign up for emergency notifications via SJReady Alerts at www.sjready.org or by texting SJStorms to 888777. Additional information on sandbag distribution and warming centers is accessible through local city websites or by dialing 2-1-1.
Safety Measures and Travel Advisory
Forecasters advise drivers to exercise caution on slick roads caused by oil and rain, especially on off-ramps and bridges. Clearing gutters and staying updated with local weather alerts can help mitigate risks. Travelers planning trips across Interstate 80, Highway 50, and to Tahoe should monitor conditions closely, particularly from Tuesday night through Christmas Day.
The National Weather Service cautions that prolonged heavy rainfall through Saturday may result in 4 to 8 inches of rain in coastal and valley areas, with even higher totals in foothills and mountains. This persistent wet weather underscores the ongoing risk of flooding and mudslides for Stockton and neighboring communities throughout the Christmas holiday.
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