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California Faces Severe Weather and Flooding on Christmas Day

KVIA•Thursday, December 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

California is experiencing a powerful storm on Christmas Day, following a deadly night of rescues and evacuations due to widespread flooding and debris flow threats. High winds exceeding 70 mph and heavy rainfall have led to flash flood warnings across southern California, affecting approximately 8 million residents. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in multiple counties to mobilize resources, while Los Angeles has also declared a local emergency. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported related to the severe weather, highlighting the dangers posed by the storm.

Key Details: • State of emergency declared in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties. • Approximately 8 million people in southern California are under a moderate flood risk. • Flash flood warnings remain in effect across various regions until early Christmas morning. • Over 165,000 homes and businesses are without power due to the storm. • Travel restrictions are in place on I-80 due to heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada.

weather emergency california storm flood

People & Organizations

CaliforniaNational Weather ServiceGavin NewsomLos AngelesSan BernardinoKaren BassSan DiegoWrightwoodSacramentoDepartment of Emergency ManagementCalifornia Highway Patrol

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