Powerful storms sweeping across the United States over the holiday season left at least four people dead in California after days of heavy rain and flooding. In California, an intense “atmospheric river” system dumped inches of rain across large parts of the state, triggering numerous floods and mudslides. Authorities confirmed four storm-related deaths on Dec. 27.
In Los Angeles County, a man was found dead Friday Dec. 26 inside a sedan that was partially submerged in mud in Lancaster, according to the sheriff’s department. Officials said the vehicle appeared to have been caught in fast-moving runoff as rain overwhelmed roads and drainage systems.
On Christmas Eve, Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy James Caravallo died in a single-vehicle crash while driving to work at a correctional facility. Local officials said wet road conditions likely contributed to the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing.
According to local fire officials, on that same day Roberto Ruiz died after a large tree branch fell on him during the storm in San Diego, sending him into cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, in Northern California, 74-year-old Richard Michael Wilsey died Dec. 21 in Redding as a result of severe flooding, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said.
Flood watches remained in effect for parts of Southern California from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26, as saturated ground raised the risk of additional runoff and mudslides. In Wrightwood, a mountain community northeast of Los Angeles, nearly a foot of rain fell in a short period, overwhelming homes and roads. Residents reported floodwaters surging through properties, burying cars in thick mud.
Emergency crews across the state worked through the holiday to rescue residents trapped by rising water. In some areas, people were pulled from rooftops by air and boat crews as floodwaters surrounded homes.
San Bernardino County fire officials said responders encountered “very dire situations,” with some residents trapped inside their homes by as much as 5 feet of water and mud. Adding to the extreme weather, the National Weather Service confirmed a weak EF0 tornado with estimated winds of 80 mph touched down in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on Christmas Day.
As the storm system weakened in California by Friday, attention shifted east, where a powerful winter storm blanketed much of the Northeast with snow and ice. New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts were placed under winter storm warnings or advisories, as heavy snowfall and icy conditions complicated travel.
By Friday evening on Dec. 26, parts of the region had already received around 7 inches of snow, with more expected overnight. New York City officials warned residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary as snow-covered roads and reduced visibility created hazardous conditions.
Flight disruptions mounted nationwide, with winter weather on both coasts contributing to thousands of delays and cancellations. According to FlightAware, more than 8,900 flights were delayed and at least 2,100 were canceled in or out of the United States by Friday Dec. 26 . Additional cancellations and delays were reported Saturday as snow warnings were issued at major New York-area airports, including Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia.
The Northeast narrowly missed a white Christmas, but forecasters said the post-holiday storm could be one of the season’s most impactful. New York City was forecast to receive up to 11 inches of snow by Saturday afternoon, with higher totals expected in northern parts of the metro area.
By Saturday morning, the city had recorded just under 3 inches, though heavier snowfall continued across surrounding regions. Parts of Connecticut, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley saw between 4 and 11 inches, while isolated areas of upstate New York were forecast to receive more than 10 inches.
