While the City of Redding continues to assess impacts from the December 21 storm, which brought an extraordinary amount of rainfall in a very short period and caused localized flooding in parts of the community, it is important to place the event in context. The volume and intensity of rainfall were consistent with a 50-year storm event, delivering more water than many local drainage and stormwater systems are designed to handle. Events of this magnitude can overwhelm infrastructure despite extensive preparation and ongoing maintenance. This was a statewide issue, with communities across California experiencing significant impacts from intense storms, prompting the State to declare emergencies in multiple counties.
“City of Redding storm drain crews work year-round to maintain infrastructure and keep stormwater moving safely during winter weather,” said Director of Public Works Michael Webb. “During intense storms, debris like fallen branches, leaves, and trash can quickly accumulate and block inlets and drains, even in areas that were previously clear. The flooding that occurred on Sunday, December 21, reflects the intensity of the storm and exceeded what routine maintenance would prevent.”
Community reports during and after storms played an important role in response efforts. City crews worked long hours, including overnight and throughout the holiday period, to respond to reported issues and address problem areas as quickly as conditions allowed.
During the peak of the storm, City departments worked together under a unified response. Redding Police and Fire personnel conducted approximately 60 water-related rescues within a four-hour period, prioritizing life safety as conditions rapidly deteriorated. The City’s state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located at Redding Electric Utility, was activated to support response efforts and provided a direct coordination link with the Shasta County EOC. This collaboration ensured real-time communication, efficient resource deployment, and coordinated decision-making throughout the event.
At this time, the City does not anticipate additional flooding unless another storm of similar intensity occurs. Redding was not alone in experiencing impacts from this weather system, which affected communities across California with flooding and widespread power outages—conditions that Redding Electric Utility customers largely avoided.
“Redding Electric Utility was pleased to report no widespread outages during the second wave of winter weather,” said REU Director Nick Zettel. “Years of proactive tree maintenance and infrastructure hardening, implemented as part of our wildfire mitigation efforts, played a key role in helping the community withstand high winds with minimal disruption. Recognizing that weather systems can be unpredictable, additional crews remained on standby throughout the event and were ready to respond if needed.”
While subsequent rain and wind events affected the area, the flooding and damage observed during the initial storm did not recur. This reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to maintain storm drain systems, manage vegetation near power lines, and consistently encourage residents to avoid flooded or unsafe conditions.
The City continues to compile data on storm impacts and will use this information to support any applicable emergency declarations or funding processes. Residents and businesses that experienced flooding are encouraged to complete the damage reporting form on the City’s website at cityofredding.gov/emergency under “Report Flooding,” so information can be shared with State agencies for potential emergency or flood-related assistance.
“I’m extremely proud of the effort city staff displayed both during and after the holiday storms,” said Interim City Manager Kari Kibler. “Our community did not escape unscathed, but residents should know that when disasters strike, as they have in the past, City staff and community members come together to respond and support one another.”
As assessments continue, the City remains focused on addressing identified problem areas, evaluating where future improvements may be needed, and monitoring storm-related conditions. Emergency declarations issued by the City of Redding, Shasta County, and the State of California are intended to facilitate timely response efforts and address longer-term impacts from this unprecedented weather event.
