Flash floods kill one, trigger rescues in Northern California
Heavy rains from an atmospheric river caused flash flooding across parts of Northern California on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, soaking roads, stranding motorists and prompting multiple water rescues, with Redding’s mayor confirming at least one death in the city of about 93,000. The National Weather Service reported 3 to 6 inches of rain in parts of two counties and firefighters in Truckee used a ladder truck to rescue residents trapped at a home along the swollen South Yuba River near Donner Summit as forecasters warned of continued storms the week of Christmas.
📌 Key Facts
- Redding police received numerous calls Sunday for motorists stranded after attempting to drive through flooded areas, and Mayor Mike Littau reported one flood-related death.
- The National Weather Service said between 3 and 6 inches of rain had fallen by Sunday night in parts of two Northern California counties.
- Truckee firefighters conducted water rescues at a house along the South Yuba River near Donner Summit, with no injuries reported there, as a series of warm atmospheric rivers was forecast to bring more rain during Christmas week.