Strong Winds Hit Sacramento, Damaging Cars and Buildings

Sacramento hit by severe windstorm as crews clear fallen trees, damaged property

Sacramento, California, experienced a severe windstorm early Monday, May 18, 2026, as strong gusts toppled trees and branches across the city, causing damage to vehicles, and buildings. Emergency crews worked through the morning to clear debris and assess the extent of the disruption, with city officials urging residents to report hazards and avoid downed power lines.

The storm occurred as Sacramento remained under a National Weather Service (NWS) advisory for high winds, with sustained speeds reaching 40–50 mph in some areas. The city’s Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District confirmed multiple calls for fallen trees obstructing roads, including reports of branches damaging parked cars and minor structural damage to residential properties. No major injuries or fatalities have been reported, though power outages were reported in isolated neighborhoods, particularly in the North Sacramento and Midtown districts.

City officials emphasized the importance of safety precautions. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) advised residents to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages through their online portal. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Police Department increased patrols in high-risk areas to ensure public safety and assist stranded motorists.

The storm disrupted morning commutes, with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reporting delayed traffic on I-80 and Highway 99 due to debris cleanup. The city’s Public Works Department deployed crews to remove fallen trees and branches from streets, with a focus on bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to maintain accessibility.

As of midday, the National Weather Service indicated that the worst of the winds had passed, but residual gusts could persist into the evening. Residents were advised to secure loose outdoor items and check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly those in older neighborhoods with mature trees, such as Old Sacramento and Land Park.

The storm follows a pattern of unseasonably strong winds affecting Northern California in recent weeks, though Monday’s event was among the most severe in Sacramento this year. City officials have not yet confirmed whether the damage will qualify for federal disaster assistance, a determination that typically requires further assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For residents affected by the storm, the Sacramento City Council directed inquiries to the City’s Emergency Operations Center, which can be reached at (916) 808-5000 for non-emergency assistance. Those requiring power restoration should contact SMUD directly at (800) 768-3333.