A sudden blast of Pacific moisture has turned parts of Shasta County into a maze of high water. Redding is taking the brunt. Streets are flooded, cars are stuck, and pockets of the city have lost power. Officials are asking everyone to stay home as crews rush to help. This is a fast moving situation, and the risk remains through tonight.
Latest conditions across Redding and Shasta County
Heavy rain has overwhelmed storm drains in low lying parts of Redding. Intersections that usually handle traffic are now pooled with fast moving water. Some underpasses and dips in the road are impassable. Drivers who pushed through have stalled in deep water, forcing rescues and towing.
Power outages are scattered across neighborhoods as wet soil and gusts push branches into lines. Utility teams are already working block by block to restore service. Expect traffic lights to be dark in spots. Treat every dark signal like a four way stop.
More showers are lining up behind the main band. Some will be brief. Some may sit over the same areas for a while. That can raise water quickly on streets and near small creeks. Keep your plans flexible and stay alert to changing conditions.
Avoid floodwater on roads and sidewalks. It hides open manholes, debris, and downed wires. Just two feet of moving water can sweep away a car.
What you need to do right now
The safest choice tonight is simple. Stay off the roads. If you must head out, be smart and move slow.
- Turn around at water across any lane. Do not guess the depth.
- Keep your phone charged and a flashlight handy.
- Move cars to higher ground, not under trees or power lines.
- Keep kids and pets away from creeks and canals.
If water threatens your home, lift electronics and valuables off the floor. Use towels and barriers at doorways. If you feel unsafe, leave early for higher ground. Do not wait for water to rise.
Pack a small go bag. Include meds, ID, chargers, warm layers, and a copy of key documents in a zip bag.
Why this storm hit so hard
This system tapped into a deep plume of Pacific moisture. Warm air can hold more water. When that air runs into our foothills and valley, the water falls fast. Short, intense bursts overwhelm storm drains and small channels. That is what we saw this evening.
Recent rains have already soaked the ground. Saturated soil sheds water like a parking lot. Runoff speeds up and flash flooding grows. Burn scars in the region also increase the risk of debris flows, even in moderate rain. Add more moisture on top and you get the kind of street flooding we are seeing now.
Climate change is loading the dice for events like this. A warmer atmosphere pulls more water from the ocean. That means heavier rain when storms line up over Northern California. We also swing harder between dry spells and downpours. Both stress our roads, power grid, and emergency systems.
Power, roads, and the response
Line crews and first responders are stretched tonight. They are clearing drains, moving stranded drivers, and making wires safe. Public works teams are checking known flood spots and opening clogged inlets. Expect temporary closures where water is moving fast or where crews need space to work.
If your power is out, unplug sensitive devices. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to save the cold. Never run a generator indoors. Carbon monoxide builds up fast and is deadly.
If water is entering your home, shut off power at the main breaker only if the area is dry and safe to reach.
What comes next
Rain will ease and return in waves overnight. Water on roads will slowly drain between bands. That may not happen everywhere. Areas with poor drainage may stay flooded into the morning commute. Give yourself extra time and choose higher routes.
How to stay informed tonight
Keep a close eye on official alerts and traffic tools. Local emergency notifications will push any urgent instructions. Use radio and phone alerts if your power goes out. Utility outage maps show restoration progress. Caltrans QuickMap tracks highway closures and chain controls. City and county websites post sandbag information and road updates.
A quick check every hour helps you steer clear of trouble:
- County emergency alerts and city updates for advisories
- Utility outage maps for Redding Electric Utility and PG&E service areas
- Caltrans QuickMap for I 5, 44, and 299 conditions
- NOAA Weather Radio or a battery radio for warnings
Conclusion
Tonight is about patience and care. The water will go down, but fresh bursts of rain can bring it right back. Stay home if you can. Keep clear of floodwater. Look after neighbors who may need a hand. We will keep watching the skies and the streets, and we will update as conditions change. Stay safe, Shasta County. ⚠️🚧
