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Even With Wet El Nino, Repeat Of 1997 Floods Unlikely With Region Better Prepared

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — In the middle of a harsh drought, there are rising concerns over flooding as the potential for a massive El Nino is developing.

Forecasters caution even if a strong El Nino develops, it's far from a guarantee for relief from the drought. But if a wet winter materializes, memories of widespread flooding in 1997 are on the minds of many.

In January of 1997, parts of Northern California looked like the middle of the ocean in what they called a 100-year storm. Torrential rains pushed already-swollen reservoirs over the edge.

In Rio Linda, Al Akins remembers the flooding like it was yesterday. Rising waters flowed into his house, and picked up his family on the porch.

"We didn't have any warning; I mean, the water was there," he said. "They're talking about El Nino this year; could be bad news for us."

Paul Devereux manages the flood control agency for the Natomas basin. He says they're inspecting pump stations and levees early, in case forecasts of a massive El Nino come true.

"We're paying attention with all the talk," he said. "Making sure the levees are ready a little bit earlier; cleaning out the canals."

A host of levee improvements have been made in the 18 years since.

Two big differences between this year and back then are a nonexistent snowpack and reservoirs running low.

"We've got a big sponge up there that can take a lotta water so that's the good news," Devereux said. "If Mother Nature gives us more than that sponge can take, we could get some flooding down here."

Nobody can say for sure. Too many what ifs in places like Rio Linda that have flooded time and again.

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