URGENT UPDATE: Heavy rain and flooding have severely impacted Northern California, prompting dramatic rescues as emergency crews race against time. Just this weekend, in Placer County, firefighters saved a baby in a carrier, carefully sliding it over a rushing South Yuba River on a ladder as the river engulfed their home.
As of December 18, 2023, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office continues to issue evacuation warnings for areas along the South Yuba River, particularly between Donner Pass Road and Cisco Road. Nine individuals were rescued by the Truckee Fire Protection District as floodwaters surged dangerously close to their properties.
The situation escalated with reports of flooding in nearby Humboldt County, where the sheriff’s office shared alarming images of goats stranded on a doorstep in the Freshwater area, close to Arcata. In a desperate bid to assist, rescue crews utilized jet skis to navigate the high waters and reach trapped residents.
In Redding, the flooding has turned catastrophic, resulting in one confirmed fatality. Streets and entire neighborhoods have been overtaken by water, and significant portions of Interstate 5 are submerged, complicating travel for holiday drivers.
The rain continues to pour, with areas in Mendocino County reporting over 6 inches of rain within just 48 hours, flooding local parks and leading to further evacuations. As new storm systems approach, rescue teams remain on high alert. Authorities are reminding the public to avoid driving through standing water, as conditions remain perilous.
As the situation unfolds, more updates are expected. Residents are advised to stay tuned for emergency notifications and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
