California Storms Claim Three Lives as Heavy Rains Cause Destruction

Fri Dec 26 2025 23:16:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Severe rainstorms have swept across California, leading to fatalities, extensive flooding, and significant infrastructure damage. Emergency services are actively responding to various incidents as the state braces for continued adverse weather conditions.

As heavy rainstorms wreak havoc across California, at least three deaths have been recorded due to flooding and related incidents. Emergency services are performing rescues amid rising water levels, while Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The storms, driven by atmospheric rivers, are expected to persist, with flash flood warnings in place across the region.

Heavy rain storms across large parts of California triggered floods and mudslides, leading to three fatalities as of Christmas night, according to local officials.

The storms, which are expected to continue through Friday, delivered up to 11 inches (27 cm) of rainfall in certain areas of Los Angeles County, prompting evacuations and closing major roadways.

Emergency responders have engaged in multiple rescue operations, including freeing individuals caught in vehicles as flood waters rise. In response to the crisis, California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and surrounding southern California counties on Wednesday.

Around 100,000 residents in the state were without power as of Thursday evening.

The United States Weather Prediction Center warned of numerous flash flooding events anticipated as the storms persist. They noted that many streams may overflow, potentially impacting larger rivers.

A 64-year-old man from San Diego tragically lost his life when a tree fell on him on Wednesday morning. Another, aged 74, was reported dead after floodwaters swamped his vehicle in Redding, California.

Moreover, a woman in her 70s succumbed after being swept into the ocean at MacKerricher State Park when a large wave knocked her off a rock.

Evacuation warnings remain active for some residents in San Bernardino County, and flash flood alerts were issued for certain areas in the San Francisco Bay area on Thursday morning. Wind speeds soared to over 100 mph (161 km/h) at an observatory near San Jose.

In areas near Los Angeles, flooding has resulted in mudslides in regions stripped of vegetation due to previous wildfires, making them unable to adequately absorb water, according to CBS News. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and advised caution on the roads during this busy holiday travel season.

I urge all Angelenos to remain safe and use extreme care on roadways if travel is absolutely necessary, Bass stated. Please do not underestimate this storm.

The extreme weather is linked to multiple atmospheric rivers that have brought significant moisture from the tropics, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.