At least 6 fatalities have been reported as of Sunday, November 16, 2025, as a powerful atmospheric river continues to impact California. With heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm (8 inches) being forecast, authorities are preparing for the threat of flash floods, landslides, debris flows across the state.
Evacuation warnings were issued across multiple burn-scar zones in California on November 13, 2025, as a strong atmospheric river delivered high rainfall rates and elevated debris-flow potential.
A strengthening low-pressure system offshore is forecast to spread heavy precipitation and mountain snow across the Sierra Nevada from Thursday, November 13 through November 15, 2025. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Eastern Sierra Slopes, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, with snow levels forecast to drop into November 14 and accumulations reaching 30–60 cm (12–18 inches) at the highest peaks.
A strong atmospheric river is forecast to move onshore across California through Saturday, November 15, 2025, bringing heavy rain, strong southwest winds, and elevated flash-flood risk across northern, central, and southern parts of the state.
Interior Mendocino and Lake counties are under a Flood Watch from late Wednesday, November 12, through Thursday morning, November 13, 2025, as 50–75 mm (2–3 inches) of rain is forecast within several hours. Marine Storm and Gale Warnings are also in effect offshore, where winds up to 95 km/h (60 mph) and seas up to 8 m (27 feet) are expected.
A strong atmospheric river is forecast to make landfall along the U.S. West Coast on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, bringing heavy rain and mountain snow across much of California through Friday, November 14.
Over 40 earthquakes were recorded along the Calaveras fault southeast of San Ramon, California, between November 9 and 10, 2025. The largest event, M3.8, occurred at 09:38 LT (17:38 UTC) on November 9 at a depth of 9.2 km (5.7 miles). Geological and seismic studies show that the Calaveras fault is capable of generating an event in the M6.5 to M7.0 range over long-term timescales.
A developing low-pressure system over the Northeast Pacific is forecast to direct a strong atmospheric river (AR) toward California between November 12 and 15, 2025. The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) indicates a high probability of moderate to strong AR conditions in Northern and Central California, with heavy precipitation possible in the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges.
Four back-to-back atmospheric rivers are forecast to make landfall along the U.S. West Coast between November 3 and November 9, 2025. Heavy rainfall totals of 76–130 mm (3–5 inches), with isolated amounts up to 177 mm (7 inches), could lead to localized flooding in parts of northern California and Washington State throughout the week.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for parts of southern California from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, October 28 to 29, 2025.
