Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Northern California Flooding: 1 Death, Rescues
A really big storm called an atmospheric river brought a lot of rain to Northern California, especially in Redding.
The rain was so heavy that it caused really bad flooding.
One person sadly died because their car got stuck in the floodwater.
A police officer tried to save them but couldn't.
The flooding made roads very dangerous, and some areas had to be evacuated.
The weather is expected to get even worse, with more rain and possible mudslides.
People are being told to prepare and make backup plans for holiday travel.
Severe flooding in Redding, California due to extreme rainfall from an atmospheric river, with over 5 inches of rain falling in a short period.
One fatality reported after a vehicle was trapped in floodwaters; a police officer attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.
Major roads like Interstate 5 southbound and Buenaventura Boulevard were heavily affected, with some local roads remaining flooded as street crews worked to clear debris.
Flooding also impacted Humboldt County and Mendocino, with worsening road conditions statewide and a flood watch issued for the Sacramento Valley and surrounding areas.
The National Weather Service expects rain through the Christmas week, with potential for mudslides, rockslides, and creek flooding, and up to 6 feet of snow in parts of the Sierra Nevada.
- Who
- Residents and drivers in Northern California, including Redding, Sacramento Valley, and Southern California
- What
- Severe flooding and weather warnings due to extreme rainfall from atmospheric rivers
- When
- Sunday through Christmas week
- Where
- Redding, California, Sacramento Valley, Southern California, including Ventura County and Los Angeles
- Why
- Atmospheric rivers bringing heavy rainfall and potential for mudslides, rockslides, and creek flooding
Residents
Authorities
Preparedness
Residents
Residents are concerned about the intensity of the storms and the potential for further damage.
Authorities
Authorities are distributing sandbags and warning residents to prepare for more dangerous weather.
- Location
- Redding, California, Sacramento Valley, Southern California
- Date
- Sunday through Christmas week
- Rainfall
- 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) in Redding, up to 11 inches (28 cm) in Ventura County
- Casualties
- 1 fatality
- Affected Areas
- Shasta County, Humboldt County, Mendocino, Sacramento Valley, Southern California
- Roads Affected
- Interstate 5 southbound, Buenaventura Boulevard, mountain passes
- Emergency Response
- Police officer attempted rescue, sandbags distributed, evacuation warnings issued
- Weather Warnings
- Flood watch, potential mudslides, rockslides, and creek flooding
