California's Christmas Catastrophe: Three Fatalities Amidst Heavy Storms

Fri Dec 26 2025 22:24:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Devastating rainstorms hit California during the festive season, bringing floods and chaos, resulting in three deaths and extensive damage across the state, as emergency services respond to rising dangers.

Heavy rainstorms in California have led to fatalities and widespread evacuations, with three confirmed dead by Christmas night. The Governor has declared a state of emergency, as the storms create hazardous conditions across southern regions, prompting multiple rescues amid rising floodwaters and significant infrastructure damage.

Heavy rain storms across large parts of California triggered floods and mudslides, leaving three dead as of Christmas night, local officials reported.

The storms, which were expected to continue through Friday, brought 11 inches (27 cms) of rainfall to some areas in Los Angeles County, prompting evacuations and major road closures.

Emergency responders have carried out several rescues, assisting individuals stuck in vehicles as floodwaters surged. California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday for Los Angeles and other southern Californian counties.

By Thursday evening, approximately 100,000 people in the state were without power.

The US Weather Prediction Center cautioned on Thursday that numerous flash flooding events were likely, stating, In addition, many streams may flood, potentially affecting larger rivers. A 64-year-old man from San Diego was killed by a fallen tree, while a 74-year-old man perished in Redding during a rescue attempt from a flooded vehicle.

Another woman in her 70s drowned after being swept by a wave at MacKerricher State Park.

Evacuation warnings were issued for residents in San Bernardino County, and flash flood alerts were underway for the San Francisco Bay area. Wind speeds in the Bay Area reached over 100 mph (161 km/h) at a San Jose observatory.

In Altadena near Los Angeles, flooding caused a mudslide due to vegetation damage from earlier wildfires. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared an emergency, warning residents to exercise caution on the roads during this busy holiday travel period.

These storms were generated by multiple atmospheric rivers bringing moisture from the tropics during one of the country's peak travel times. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings.