California Declares State of Emergency as Storms Bring Flooding, Landslides and Deaths
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Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for five south state counties and Shasta County in the north state as days of rain and wind swept across California, triggering flash flood and landslide threats in burn scars and contributing to three deaths statewide.
The emergency proclamation issued Wednesday enables Newsom to direct state resources to the hardest-hit counties. the governor said he deployed swift water rescue teams, state helicopters, more than 55 fire engines and othre first responder teams and equipment across the state.
The proclamation – which includes los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties – also allows local governments to seek federal aid for some weather-damaged road repairs.
At the governor’s direction,the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinated with local agencies including the Los Angeles County Fire Department,which on Friday morning reported rescuing more than 100 people during high water incidents during the storms. One helicopter crew hoisted 21 people from stranded vehicles, while another engine team pulled 20 people – along with two deputies and a dog – to safety.
California Storms Trigger State of Emergency, Disrupt Travel and cause Fatalities
Multiple vehicles sit stranded on a washed-out road in San Bernardino County after days of storms triggered flooding, landslides and power outages across California, contributing to at least three deaths statewide. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for six counties in response to the severe weather.
The storm system was slated to weaken Friday, but scattered precipitation remained throughout the state mid-morning, including snowfall in the sierra Nevada, leading to chain controls on Interstate 80 and Highway 50. Bands of moderate to heavy rain continued to cross California early Friday, with coastal regions experiencing strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.
Widespread power outages that impacted Sacramento and surrounding areas on Wednesday and Thursday morning were largely resolved by Friday. As of Friday morning, the largest outage affected approximately 4,400 Liberty Utilities customers around Tahoe City.
Three deaths have been linked to the storm so far.
Historic Snowfall Blankets California’s Sierra Nevada, Disrupting Travel and Boosting Snowpack
A powerful winter storm has delivered significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, causing travel disruptions and dramatically increasing the snowpack – a crucial water source for the state.As of December 26, 2025, ski resorts are reporting record accumulations, and officials are urging caution for those traveling in the region.
Storm Impacts and Travel Disruptions
the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 3 reported significant impacts to roadways across the Sierra Nevada, including chain controls and closures. Interstate 80, a major transportation artery, experienced closures due to whiteout conditions and heavy snowfall.
I-80 EB at Donner Summit is CLOSED due to zero visibility and hazardous conditions. Please check quickmap before traveling: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/pic.twitter.com/j3ONQlvTuc
– Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) december 26, 2025
Thes conditions are creating perilous travel situations, and Caltrans advises motorists to avoid non-essential travel. Drivers who must travel should carry chains, extra food and water, and be prepared for significant delays. Real-time road conditions can be found on the Caltrans QuickMap website.
Snowfall Totals across the Sierra Nevada
The storm has impacted all elevations and regions of the sierra Nevada. Here’s a breakdown of snowfall totals as of December 26, 2025:
* Mammoth Mountain (Southern Sierra): OpenSnow reports over 5.5 feet of snow accumulated during the storm.
* Lake Tahoe Area (Central Sierra): Resorts in the Tahoe Basin received between 2 and 5 feet of snow.
* UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (Near Truckee): The Snow Lab recorded nearly 49 inches of snow over the past week, including over 17 inches in the last 24 hours.
As of Friday morning,the Snow Lab indicated the region has reached 79% of its median annual snowfall to date,with the possibility of another 5 to 10 inches before the storm subsides. the Snow Lab provides critical data for water resource management in California.
importance of Sierra Snowpack
The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a vital component of California’s water supply. As the snow melts in the spring and summer, it flows into reservoirs and rivers, providing water for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems. A strong snowpack is crucial for mitigating drought conditions and ensuring water security. California has experienced severe droughts in recent years, making robust snowfall events especially crucial. the current storm is a significant step towards replenishing water resources.
Key Takeaways:
* A major winter storm has brought record snowfall to the Sierra Nevada.
* Travel is substantially impacted,with road closures and chain controls in effect.
* Snowpack levels are dramatically increasing, providing a boost to California’s water supply.
* Motorists are urged to check road conditions and avoid non-essential travel.
Looking ahead,continued monitoring of the snowpack will be essential. Further storms are anticipated throughout the winter, and thier impact will be closely watched by water managers and residents alike.