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Another Atmospheric River To Hit Redding


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Santa may be headed into town, but he seems to be bringing more rain with him. Much of the Pacific Northwest, including Shasta County, is being pummeled by another atmospheric river. Forecasters warn of continued wet weather through Christmas, raising concerns about flash flooding, travel disruptions, and gusty winds in the region.


Following a dryer than normal November, Shasta county has been experiencing heavy rains since early December. The atmospheric river, a concentrated plume of moisture streaming in from the Pacific Ocean, has been battering the area, contributing to above-average rainfall totals for the month. In Redding, the past seven days alone have seen 3.79 inches of rain, with 0.44 inches falling in the last 24 hours as of this morning. The neighboring hills and mountains have seen 4" to 5" of rainfall. This follows a notable downpour on December 20, when 1.25 inches were recorded in a short burst. Year-to-date, Redding has accumulated 43.99 inches of precipitation, surpassing the 30-year average and signaling a wet start to the winter season.


Residents in low-lying areas are on alert as a Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of Northern California through December 26. Additionally, a Wind Advisory is active until this evening, with gusts potentially exacerbating conditions by downing trees and power lines. "This system is packing a punch with widespread moisture, and we're monitoring for rapid rises in rivers and streams," said a spokesperson from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento.


Looking ahead, the forecast indicates no immediate reprieve. Redding could see an additional 3 to 5 inches of rain over the next seven days, with heavier amounts—up to 7 to 10 inches—possible in coastal and mountainous zones. The heaviest precipitation is expected from Sunday into Monday, with Sunday potentially bringing 0.5 to 0.75 inches during the day and another 0.1 to 0.25 inches overnight, accompanied by possible thunderstorms.


Courtesy of www.weather.gov
Courtesy of www.weather.gov

Monday may offer a brief lull with less than 0.1 inch during the day, but rain is set to intensify overnight into Tuesday, adding 0.75 to 1 inch. Tuesday and Wednesday could each see 0.5 to 1 inch, with showers lingering into Christmas Day, where 0.25 to 0.75 inches are anticipated. By Friday, December 26, scattered showers may add another 0.1 to 0.5 inches, though totals could vary if the system shifts.


The ongoing deluge has already prompted warnings about holiday travel hazards, including slick roads and reduced visibility. Local authorities are urging drivers to avoid flooded roadways and prepare for possible evacuations in flood-prone neighborhoods. In broader Northern California, the atmospheric river is expected to deliver 3 to 7 inches in valleys like Redding, heightening risks for infrastructure strain and minor landslides.


Meteorologists attribute the active weather pattern to a series of Pacific storms, which have made December notably soggy so far. While the rain is beneficial for replenishing reservoirs after drier periods, the rapid accumulation poses immediate threats. Residents are advised to stay updated via National Weather Service (NWS) alerts and local emergency services.


As the region hunkers down for a wet holiday week, experts emphasize preparedness: "Stock up on essentials, secure outdoor items, and have a plan in case of flooding," the NWS advised. With more atmospheric rivers potentially on the horizon, Northern California may face an extended period of unsettled weather into the new year.


Sources:

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