California Weather and Flooding

Flash flooding driven by atmospheric-river moisture struck Northern California, with the National Weather Service reporting 3–6 inches of rain in parts of two counties by Sunday night. In Redding a motorist trapped in a rapidly inundated vehicle died after a police officer swam out, broke the windows, pulled the person to shore and performed CPR, while first responders also rescued nine people from a Cisco Grove home; Mayor Mike Littau praised acts of heroism and warned additional rain Tuesday–Friday could have a bigger impact.

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.