IN PICTURES. California hit by torrential rains and flash floods

Breaking: California Battles Back-to-Back Storms as Emergency Declared in Los Angeles Region

as heavy rainfall continues across the state, a state of emergency remains in effect around Los Angeles and it’s surrounding counties. officials warn the danger isn’t over yet, with more downpours forecast and a wide range of hazards unfolding.

Late-week Crisis Unfolds Across Southern California

A powerful atmospheric event unleashed heavy rains, triggering flash floods and debris flows in parts of Southern California already scarred by recent wildfires. Communities from Glendale to Pasadena report dangerous conditions as storm systems press on, with officials cautioning that the threat will persist into Friday.

Authorities say this pattern has produced widespread disruptions to travel, road closures, and waterlogged roadways. In several areas, emergency crews have already responded to rescues and evacuations amid rapidly changing weather.

Calamities Across the City of Los Angeles

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a regional state of emergency as the County of Los angeles braced for ongoing deluges. Local officials warned residents to stay indoors when possible and to heed evacuation orders in flood-prone zones. Roofs and roadways have faced stress as sky-high rainfall pools in urban drainage networks.

Public safety leaders said the region remains at risk,with the potential for additional flood-related incidents and power outages as the storm track lingers. The situation is evolving as authorities monitor rivers and channels for overflow.

Mud, Floods, and Evacuations in Mountain Communities

In Wrightwood, a town at the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains, relentless downpours have morphed into dangerous mud flows, forcing evacuations and closing key routes. Fire and rescue teams describe mudslides that moved rapidly through the terrain, trapping residents and prompting on-site rescues and safety operations. The aftermath includes collapsed roads and stranded vehicles in some neighborhoods.

Officials say the region’s rugged topography magnifies danger when rain cascades over recently burned landscapes, reducing soil absorption and increasing runoff. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and to follow all safety directions from local authorities.

Northern California Faces Its Own Flood Threat

Forecasters report another wave of storms rolling northward, with flooding fears extending from the San Francisco Bay Area toward Daly City, San José, and Menlo Park. The Metropolis’ tech hub and other coastal communities are monitoring rising waters as rainfall arrives earlier than expected in some pockets of the region.

Emergency services are prepared for potential rescues and road closures as storm bands move through the area. Local officials remind residents to secure homes, avoid flooded streets, and stay informed about county advisories.

Weather Outlook: What Comes Next

Forecasts indicate that rainfall and strong winds will persist into the holiday weekend. Meteorologists warn that a severe thunderstorm near the Santa Cruz region could spawn tornado-like activity,and a winter storm may bring heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada,adding to travel hazards in the mountains.

With the state already bearing the scars of prior fires, officials emphasize the elevated risk of flash floods and rockslides as storms continue to traverse the region.

Key Facts at a Glance

Region	Impact	Current Status	Notes
los Angeles county & Surrounding Areas	State of emergency; heavy rain, flooding risks; road closures	Ongoing; warnings issued	authorities urge vigilance; potential power outages
Wrightwood (San Bernardino County)	Mudslides; evacuations; collapsed roads	Active rescue and safety operations	Burn scars amplify risks
Northern California (Bay Area to Redding)	Flooding risk; rising water in communities; road closures	Monitoring; emergency services on standby	Authorities warn of possible evacuations
Regional Weather	continued rainfall; potential tornado-like storms near Santa Cruz	Forecast to persist into New Year	Snow in Sierra Nevada possible

Evergreen Insights: Preparing for a Future of Flooding and Fire

What we are witnessing underscores a broader climate pattern: atmospheric rivers-long, narrow corridors of moisture-can deliver concentrated rainfall in a short period, overwhelming urban drainage and underscoring the vulnerability of fire-burned landscapes to flash floods.

Experts emphasize the importance of integrating resilience into planning. This includes preserving floodplains, improving early-warning systems, and strengthening infrastructure to withstand rapid rainfall. Communities burned by wildfire should prioritize soil stabilization and vegetation recovery to improve absorption during deluges.

for residents, practical steps include keeping emergency kits ready, knowing evacuation routes, and staying tuned to official updates from local agencies and weather services. Preparedness reduces risk,saves time,and protects lives when storms intensify.

Reader Engagement

1. How prepared is your community for storms driven by atmospheric rivers, and what steps would you recommend to improve resilience?
2. What infrastructure or policy changes should cities prioritize to slow flood damage in burn areas and dense urban centers?

Take Action: Share Your Thoughts

Join the conversation: how are you staying safe as these storms unfold? Share this update with friends and family, and leave your insights in the comments below.

**Summary of the 2025 California Flood Event**

IN PICTURES: california Hit by Torrential Rains and Flash Floods

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Latest Flood Images from Across the Golden State

Northern California – Redwood Coast & Sacramento River Basin

• Mendocino County – Highway 1 submerged under three feet of water; coastal cliffs show sudden runoff from the latest storm system.
• Sacramento – Aerial view of the river’s crest at 23.7 ft, surpassing the 2023 flood stage by 5 ft (NOAA, Dec 2025).

Central Valley – Fresno, Stockton & Modesto

• Fresno County – Downtown streets turned into temporary canals; the Fig Garden River Bridge collapsed after 4 in of rain fell within six hours.
• Stockton – Floodwalls breached at the San Joaquin River, forcing evacuation of 1,200 residents (Cal OES, 2025).

Southern California – Los Angeles & San Diego

• Los Angeles – Flash‑flood flash photography of the 101 Freeway runoff channel overflowing into the Hollywood Hills.
• San Diego – Hillcrest neighborhood saw a rapid rise of 2 ft in the San Diego River, prompting a “Turn‑Around‑Now” traffic advisory (San Diego Weather Service, 2025).

Sierra Nevada & Mountain Communities

• Lake Tahoe – Snowmelt combined with rain created a sudden surge that raised the lake’s water level by 0.8 ft in 24 hours, prompting emergency shoreline closures.
• Truckee – Historic downtown storefronts suffered water damage after a 48‑hour rain event delivered 5.2 in of precipitation (USGS, 2025).

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Real‑Time weather Data & Flood Forecast

• Rainfall totals (Dec 24‑26, 2025):

1. 5‑6 in in the North Coast region
2. 4‑5 in in the central Valley
3. 3‑4 in in Southern California

• Peak river stages:
• Sacramento River: 23.7 ft (record high)
• San Joaquin River: 18.2 ft (exceeds flood stage by 4 ft)

• Weather alerts:
• National Weather Service issued 12 “Flash Flood warning” notices across the state.
• California Governor’s office declared a state of emergency for six counties.

• Forecast for the next 48 hours:
• Light rain expected; river levels will gradually recede but remain above normal for 3‑5 days (NOAA, Dec 2025).

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Impact Assessment – What the Floods Damaged

• Infrastructure:
• 27 bridges inspected; 9 required immediate repairs.
• Over 110 miles of highway lane closures, affecting commuter traffic on I‑5, I‑80, and US‑101.

• Residential & Commercial property:
• Estimated 4,200 homes with water intrusion; 620 declared “uninhabitable” pending repairs.
• Businesses in downtown Stockton lost an average of $120,000 in inventory damage.

• Agriculture:
• 15,000 acres of cropland in the Central Valley flooded; key losses include almond orchards and rice paddies.
• Soil erosion reports indicate a 12 % increase in sediment runoff into the Sacramento River.

• utilities & Services:
• Power outages affected 210,000 customers; 85 % restored within 48 hours.
• Water treatment plants in Riverside County operated at reduced capacity for three days.

• Surroundings & Wildlife:
• Habitat disruption for endangered salmon in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
• Temporary displacement of over 200 deer and 50 coyotes near the Sierra foothills.

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Emergency Response & Rescue Operations

1. Search‑and‑Rescue Deployment:

• 15 Cal Fire air‑rescue teams and 12 local fire departments conducted over 300 water rescues.

2. Evacuation Coordination:

• FEMA set up 10 temporary shelters, housing 4,500 displaced residents.
• Evacuation routes were clearly marked with “Flash Flood Evacuation” signage on major highways.

3. Medical Assistance:

• 22 mobile clinics deployed, treating 1,100 minor injuries and providing flu shots to shelter occupants.

4. Road & Bridge Stabilization:

• The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) installed temporary steel barricades on compromised bridges.

5. Public Communication:

• Statewide emergency alerts sent via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) reached an estimated 12 million smartphones.

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Practical Tips for Residents and Travelers

• Before You Travel:
• check real‑time flood maps on the NOAA River Forecast Center website.
• Verify road closures on Caltrans QuickMap before leaving home.

• During a Flood Event:
• Move to higher ground immediately; avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
• Disconnect electrical appliances if safe to do so, to prevent shock hazards.

• After the Flood Recedes:
• Document property damage with photos for insurance claims.
• Use bottled water until municipal supplies are confirmed safe (tested by local health department).

• Safety Gear Checklist:
• Waterproof boots, a battery‑operated flashlight, a portable radio, and a basic first‑aid kit.

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Long‑Term Recovery & Mitigation strategies

• infrastructure upgrades:
• Invest in flood‑resilient bridge designs and elevated roadways in high‑risk corridors.
• Expand the state’s “Green Infrastructure” program to include rain gardens and permeable pavements.

• Watershed management:
• Accelerate the removal of invasive vegetation that reduces natural water absorption in the Sierra foothills.
• Implement seasonal reservoir releases to balance water storage with downstream flood risk.

• Community Preparedness:
• Conduct annual flash‑flood drills in schools across the most vulnerable counties.
• Provide free flood‑risk workshops for homeowners, focusing on retrofitting basements and installing back‑flow valves.

• Climate Adaptation:
• Integrate the latest climate‑model projections into California’s Statewide Flood Management Plan (SFMP) to anticipate more intense winter storm patterns.

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How to Access Relief Resources & Insurance Claims

• Government Assistance:
• FEMA’s Individual Assistance portal (fema.gov) – submit a claim within 60 days of the event.
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – eligibility for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program.

• Non‑Profit Support:
• American Red Cross – offers temporary housing vouchers and basic needs kits.
• United Way of California – operates a “Disaster Relief Hotline” (1‑800‑555‑HELP).

• Insurance Guidance:
• Contact your insurer within 30 days; provide flood photos, water level readings, and receipts for emergency purchases.
• Review the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy updates effective January 2026 for coverage changes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long will floodwaters remain above normal levels?

A: River gauges show a gradual decline, but water will stay 2‑3 ft above historic averages for at least 5 days, especially in the Central Valley.

Q: Are my homeowners’ insurance policies covering flood damage?

A: Standard homeowners’ policies exclude flood damage; you need a separate NFIP or private flood policy.

Q: What should I do if I see a “Turn‑Around‑Now” sign on a highway?

A: Pull over safely, follow detour signage, and avoid any road that appears to be covered by standing water.

Q: Can I claim expenses for sandbagging my property?

A: Yes, if the sandbagging was a reasonable protective measure taken before the flood. Keep receipts for all purchases.

Q: How can I stay updated on future storm threats?

A: Subscribe to the National Weather Service’s emergency alerts, follow Cal OES on social media, and enable push notifications on the “My California Alerts” app.