One dead in Redding as atmospheric river triggers deadly flooding across northern California
One person was killed, and several were rescued after torrential rain brought by a strong atmospheric river caused severe flooding in Redding, northern California, on December 21–22, 2025. Rainfall totals above 100 mm (4 inches) overwhelmed storm drains and flooded roads.
Heavy rain from a powerful atmospheric river (AR) brought destructive flooding to Northern California, with the city of Redding among the hardest hit through December 22. Local officials confirmed one fatality after floodwaters swept through residential streets and low-lying areas on Sunday night.
Redding Mayor Mike Littau confirmed that one person died after being trapped in floodwaters as emergency crews responded to multiple rescues across the city. The Redding Fire Department reported numerous vehicles stranded in fast-moving water, leading to the activation of the city’s Emergency Operations Center.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Sacramento issued flash flood warnings for Redding and surrounding parts of Shasta County at 22:00 LT (06:00 UTC) on December 21, urging residents to avoid flooded areas and remain indoors.
Radar data shows up to 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in central Redding, with some localized totals expected to reach 130 mm (5 inches) by the morning of December 22.
The system is forecast to continue producing heavy rain and possible localized flooding through at least December 24.
Similar rainfall totals were reported in Chico, Red Bluff, and Mount Shasta City, where minor river flooding and landslides occurred along steep slopes.
Hydrological gauges on the Sacramento River indicated a rapid rise of nearly 0.9 m (3 feet) between December 21 and 22, remaining below major flood stage but continuing to climb.
Flood watches were in effect for more than 20 counties as the AR pattern persisted. Forecasters warned that additional pulses of moisture could reach California later this week, maintaining elevated flood and landslide risk across saturated terrain.
This was one of multiple atmospheric rivers forecast to make landfall over California from December 20 through Christmas, dropping up to 500 mm (20 inches) of rain to parts of the state.
Read more:
References:
1 1 dead in Redding as dangerous rain, flooding threaten parts of Northern California – ABC News – December 22, 2025
2 One person announced dead from deadly flash flooding in Northern California – Fox Weather – December 22, 2025
Feature image credit: Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.