Storm Devastates Northern California: Power Outages & Flooding Surge
UPDATE: A powerful storm has swept through Northern California since overnight, leading to widespread power outages, flooded roads, and fallen trees. The KCRA 3 weather team has declared an Alert Day for both December 24 and 25, indicating a serious risk to public safety.
Residents are confronting severe conditions, with reports of more than 138,000 utility customers across California currently without power. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, including a flash flood alert for areas in and around Sacramento, urging caution due to hazardous road conditions and rising water levels.
Real-time updates indicate that traffic is halted on Interstate 80 at Donner Summit due to multiple vehicle spinouts. Emergency crews are responding to dangerous situations across the region. At least one weather-related fatality has been reported, with a vehicle crashing into a telephone pole early this morning.
As of 12:00 p.m. today, approximately 123,000 utility customers are without power across the state, with significant outages reported in San Joaquin County. PG&E has confirmed that about 2,600 customers in the Stockton area are affected. In response to the extreme weather, the Imaginarium at Cal Expo is closed for safety reasons.
Evacuation warnings are in effect in Calaveras County for the Cosgrove Creek area, where rising water levels pose a threat to life and property. Residents are advised to prepare for potential evacuation orders as conditions worsen.
Chain controls are in effect on major routes. All vehicles except those equipped with four-wheel drive and snow tires must have chains installed on Interstate 80 from Kingvale to Truckee and on Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers. Speed limits have been reduced to 30 mph on I-80 and 25 mph on Highway 50 to ensure safety.
As of 4:50 p.m., about 344 SMUD customers remain without power, highlighting the ongoing impact of the storm. The California Highway Patrol continues to respond to reports of hazardous conditions, including spinouts and flooding along Interstate 80.
“Turn around, don’t drown,”
cautioned the National Weather Service as Doppler radar indicates thunderstorms producing heavy rain in affected areas, including West Sacramento and Natomas.
Authorities are closely monitoring conditions and providing resources for affected communities. Sandbags are being distributed in Calaveras County to help residents mitigate flooding risks. Emergency services are on high alert as the storm continues to develop.
Residents are urged to stay tuned for continuous updates and to follow local news for the latest safety information. For those facing outages, check with local utility providers for updates on restoration efforts.
Follow the KCRA weather team on social media for live updates and additional resources. Download our app for the latest forecasts and alerts as we navigate this ongoing weather crisis.
