Widespread Power Outages Hit Sacramento Area After Storm

Thousands without electricity as high winds and heavy rain batter region

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:06am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a lone tree in the foreground silhouetted against a dramatic, stormy sky filled with heavy clouds.A powerful storm system brings high winds and heavy rain, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage across the Sacramento region.Today in Sacramento

A powerful thunderstorm has caused widespread power outages across the Sacramento area, with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District reporting more than 29,000 customers without electricity. The National Weather Service has also issued a flood advisory due to heavy rain, high winds, and downed trees and branches throughout the region.

Why it matters

The Sacramento area is no stranger to severe weather, but this storm has caused significant disruptions to the power grid and transportation infrastructure. Restoring electricity and clearing debris will be critical priorities in the coming hours and days.

The details

According to SMUD's website, the largest number of outages are concentrated in the Florin, Arden, and Folsom areas. The utility's crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible. The National Weather Service has reported numerous trees and branches down across the region due to southwest winds gusting up to 30-40 mph. A flood advisory is also in effect until midnight, with the potential for minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

  • The storm moved through the Sacramento area shortly before 8 p.m. on April 11, 2026.
  • The flood advisory is in place until 12 a.m. on April 12, 2026.

The players

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

The electric utility company serving the Sacramento region, responsible for restoring power to thousands of customers affected by the storm.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that issued the flood advisory and reported on the high winds and downed trees caused by the thunderstorm.

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What’s next

SMUD crews will continue working to restore power to affected customers, while local authorities will focus on clearing debris and mitigating any flooding issues.

The takeaway

This severe storm serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the power grid and infrastructure to extreme weather events, underscoring the need for continued investment in resilience and preparedness measures to protect communities in the Sacramento region.