California Storms Claim Lives and Cause Widespread Disruption
Published 24 December 2025
Highlights
- Heavy rainstorms in California have resulted in three fatalities and significant disruptions, including power outages affecting over 100,000 residents.
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across several counties, including Los Angeles, due to the risk of flooding and mudslides.
- The storms, fueled by atmospheric rivers, have led to evacuation orders and warnings across southern California, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 mph.
- Emergency services have conducted multiple rescues, including a woman swept down a creek and a man trapped in a drainage tunnel.
- The severe weather, coinciding with a busy holiday travel week, has caused road closures, flight delays, and heightened safety warnings.
California is grappling with severe weather conditions as heavy rainstorms, driven by atmospheric rivers, have claimed three lives and caused widespread disruption across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino, as the storms continue to pose significant risks of flooding and mudslides.
Fatalities and Emergency Response
The storms have tragically resulted in three fatalities. A 64-year-old man in San Diego was killed by a fallen tree, while a 74-year-old man in Redding succumbed to floodwaters. In Mendocino County, a woman in her 70s was swept into the ocean by a large wave. Emergency responders have been actively conducting rescues, including a woman carried nine miles down San Jose Creek and a man trapped in a drainage tunnel in Los Angeles.
Widespread Impact and Evacuations
The intense weather has led to evacuation orders and warnings across southern California, particularly in areas vulnerable to mudslides due to recent wildfires. In Los Angeles County, officials have been going door-to-door to urge residents in high-risk areas to evacuate. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued evacuation orders for Wrightwood, a mountain community at risk of debris flows.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
The storms have left over 100,000 residents without power, with Monterey County experiencing the highest number of outages. The severe weather has also caused road closures, flight delays, and hazardous travel conditions, particularly affecting holiday travelers. Wind speeds have reached up to 100 mph in some areas, exacerbating the risk of damage and further disruptions.
Official Warnings and Precautions
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a local emergency, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. "Please do not take this storm lightly," she warned, emphasizing the importance of following official guidance and signing up for emergency alerts. The US Weather Prediction Center has forecasted continued heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding, urging residents to remain vigilant.
What this might mean
As the storms persist, California faces ongoing challenges in managing the immediate impacts and preparing for potential future events. The state's emergency services are on high alert, with resources prepositioned to respond to further incidents. The declaration of a state of emergency enables the mobilization of additional support and funding to aid affected communities.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift to recovery efforts and assessing the long-term impacts of the storms, particularly in areas already weakened by wildfires. Experts warn that climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events, necessitating enhanced preparedness and resilience measures across the state.
