Shasta County Floods Today: Live Updates on Evacuations, Road Closures, and Storm Forecast

A fierce Pacific storm delivered an atmospheric-river punch to Northern California this weekend, dumping 3–6 inches of rain on Shasta County and unleashing widespread flooding that stranded motorists, knocked out power and triggered life-threatening flash-flood warnings in the Redding area. Emergency agencies say water quickly rose to knee-depth on numerous streets Sunday afternoon, swamping southbound Interstate 5 near the South Bonnyview exit, inundating Mary Lake Park, and forcing multiple swift-water rescues after drivers ignored barricades along Shasta View Drive and Buenaventura Boulevard. Redding Police urged residents to “turn around, don’t drown” as several lanes became impassable. The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office issued a flash-flood warning for central and southern Shasta County until late Sunday night and kept a broader flood watch in effect through at least 4 p.m. Friday, December 26, as a second moisture plume targets the north state. Hydrologists list more than 30 creeks now at or near flood stage, including Clear, Olney, Cow and Stillwater creeks, while the Sacramento River is expected to crest above monitor level by mid-week. Hard-hit communities span Redding, Palo Cedro, Shasta Lake, Anderson, Cottonwood and unincorporated areas west to Keswick. Pacific Gas & Electric reported scattered outages affecting roughly 4,000 customers as water entered underground equipment. County officials opened a temporary shelter at the Shasta College gym and distributed sandbags at the Anderson Fairgrounds. Forecast and outlook • Monday–Tuesday: Additional 1–2 inches of rain with snow levels near 6,000 ft. • Wednesday: Brief lull. • Christmas Eve–Friday: Second atmospheric river could bring another 3 inches valley rain and 2–3 ft Sierra snow, prolonging flood risk across the Sacramento Valley. Travel impacts • I-5: Expect intermittent closures south of Redding for debris removal. • Hwy 299 & 44: Rock-slide danger in canyons; chains required above 4,500 ft. • RABA bus service: Suspended on South Bechelli and Churn Creek routes until water recedes. Safety tips 1. Never drive across flooded roads; just 12 inches of water can sweep away most vehicles. 2. Keep cell phones charged; have flashlights and extra batteries for possible extended outages. 3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for evacuation notices. 4. Clear storm drains around your property to reduce localized ponding. With soils saturated and more storms on the doorstep, Shasta County officials stress preparedness: “If you live near a creek or in a low-lying neighborhood, have an evacuation plan and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” said Sheriff Michael Johnson. Sandbag locations, road closures and updated forecasts are posted at ReadyShasta.gov and on the county’s emergency X feed.