Flooding in Redding: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Redding’s scenic location along the Sacramento River and near Shasta Lake makes it an attractive place to live, but it also brings flood risk. Seasonal rains, rapid snowmelt from the mountains, and heavy winter storms can cause rivers and creeks to swell. In addition, aging stormwater systems and steep surrounding terrain mean flash flooding is a real concern during major downpours.

FEMA estimates that just one inch of water inside a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Unfortunately, many Redding homeowners and renters mistakenly believe that standard homeowners insurance covers flooding, when the reality is that it doesn’t. To protect yourself fully, you need a separate private flood insurance policy.

Flood Zones in Redding

Redding has several FEMA-mapped flood zones, particularly near the Sacramento River, Stillwater Creek, and Clear Creek. Properties in Zone AE (high-risk floodplains) often require flood insurance if they are financed with federally backed mortgages.
Of course, even zones that have been mapped as Zone X (moderate or low risk) have flooded in severe weather situations. Across the country, FEMA statistics indicate that approximately 40% of all flood claims are filed on property not located in high-risk zones.