At least one person is reported to have died after heavy rain and flooding in northern California over the weekend.
Fox Weather reported that the region was hit with heavy rain, snow and wind, resulting in dangerous flash flooding conditions. Flood-related alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) stretched across much the state as of early Monday morning.
One individual died following flash flooding in Redding, Shasta County, Mayor Mike Littau said on social media.
The Redding Police Department said in an update on Sunday that fire crews had confirmed that several areas were experiencing flooding:
Mary Lake Park: Significant water rise and ongoing flooding.Shasta View: Roadway closed because of flooding entering the neighborhood.Capricorn Street: Water levels reported above fire hydrants in some sections.South Redding: Localized flooding affecting backyards and low‑lying areas.I‑5 Southbound: Flooding reported near the South Bonnyview area.
Law enforcement urged locals to avoid the above areas and to stay alert for evolving conditions.
“The Redding Police Department is urging all motorists to use extreme caution as heavy rainfall has caused flooding on multiple roadways throughout the city. Several lanes are currently impassable, and conditions may continue to change rapidly,” police said.
“We are receiving numerous calls for stranded motorists who attempted to drive through flooded areas. Please remember: Turn around, don’t risk it. Even shallow water can stall your vehicle, sweep it off the roadway, or create dangerous situations for you and first responders,” the warning continued.
As of early Monday morning, flood watches, which the NWS issues when flooding is possible, were in place across the majority of the state. In much of central California and parts of northern California, they are in place through Friday afternoon.
Flood warnings—announced by the NWS when flooding is imminent or ongoing—have also been issued in parts northern California, including Shasta County, where the agency says water rescues have been reported.
“At 9:56 p.m. PST, local law enforcement reports flood impacts continue from heavy rain that has occurred on Sunday in Downtown Redding and adjacent urban areas. Between 3 and 7 inches of rain have fallen with periods of moderate to heavy rain to continue over the next several hours,” the alert for the area said.
The NWS Weather Prediction Center said in an update on Sunday that an atmospheric river event would bring heavy precipitation to California this week.
Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding, with locally significant impacts possible, particularly along west-facing slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada foothills through Tuesday, the agency said. Landslides, rockfalls and mudslides may also occur in Southern California’s mountain areas, it added.