USA Floods and Weather Today: State-by-State Breakdown for December 22, 2025 – Major Storms Hit the West Coast

As December 22, 2025, unfolds, the United States is grappling with a mix of severe weather conditions, with the West Coast bearing the brunt of ongoing and intensifying storms. Atmospheric rivers—long, narrow bands of moisture originating from the Pacific—are unleashing heavy rainfall across California, leading to flash floods, mudslides, and at least one fatality reported in Northern California. Meanwhile, lingering effects from earlier December floods continue in the Pacific Northwest, though drier conditions are providing some relief there. The rest of the country sees calmer weather, with seasonal cold in the Midwest and Northeast, and unseasonably warm temperatures in parts of the Plains.

Searches for “USA floods today,” “California flooding December 2025,” “atmospheric river storms,” and “US weather alerts December 22” are surging as holiday travelers face disruptions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued numerous flood watches and warnings, particularly along the Pacific coast, where a parade of storms is expected to persist through Christmas week. This timely update breaks down the current weather and flood risks state by state, helping you stay informed and safe during this busy holiday season.

Western States: Heavy Rain and Flooding Dominate

The big story today is California, where a series of powerful atmospheric rivers is dumping torrential rain, triggering flash floods and raising concerns for the holiday week ahead.

California: Heavy rains have already caused significant impacts in Northern California, with at least one death reported in Shasta County due to flash flooding on December 21-22. Redding and surrounding areas saw up to six inches of rain, submerging vehicles and prompting rescues. Flood watches remain active across much of the state, from the North Bay and Sacramento Valley to Southern California. In the Bay Area and Central Coast, moderate to heavy rain is leading to localized flooding of creeks, streams, and urban areas. Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego counties, is bracing for intensifying storms starting Tuesday (Christmas Eve), with potential for 3+ inches of rain, flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows—especially in wildfire burn scars. The Sierra Nevada is seeing rain transitioning to heavy snow at higher elevations, but lower-level rain-on-snow could exacerbate runoff. NWS warns of a slight to moderate risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding through mid-week, with travel delays likely on major highways.

Washington: While the catastrophic flooding from early December’s atmospheric rivers has begun to recede, elevated river levels and saturated ground persist in western areas. Rivers like the Skagit, Snohomish, and Skykomish remain high, with some flood warnings extended from prior crests. Drier weather today offers relief after record-breaking floods displaced thousands and caused widespread damage earlier in the month. Power outages and road closures linger in affected counties, but no new major flooding is reported today.

Oregon: Similar to Washington, the state is recovering from mid-December storms that caused river overflows and landslides. Flood risks have diminished with drier conditions today, though some low-lying areas near rivers like the Willamette may still see minor overflow. Northern Oregon could see light rain spillover from California systems later in the week.

Alaska: No active flood alerts today. Earlier in the year, remnants of typhoons caused coastal flooding, but current conditions are seasonal with cold and possible snow.

Idaho and Montana: Lingering minor flood concerns from December rains in western areas, but no major events today. Some mountain snow is possible.

Pacific Northwest Recovery and Broader West

The early December floods in the Pacific Northwest were among the worst in recent history, with Washington declaring emergencies and evacuating tens of thousands. Today, the focus shifts southward as California takes center stage. Atmospheric rivers are forecasted to bring several feet of snow to the Sierra, beneficial for water supply but risky for travel and lower-elevation flooding.

Central and Plains States: Mild and Dry

Texas: No flooding today. Earlier 2025 events, like deadly summer flash floods, are distant memories. Seasonal weather with mild temperatures.

Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, etc.): Cold fronts bringing possible wintry mix or light snow in northern areas, but no flood threats. Rivers are at normal levels.

Great Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma): Unseasonably warm with record highs possible in some spots. Dry conditions dominate, with fire weather concerns in drier areas.

Eastern States: Seasonal Chill, No Major Floods

Northeast (New York, Pennsylvania, New England): Cold and possibly snowy in higher elevations, with some wintry mix forecasts. No flood risks; focus on holiday travel disruptions from potential ice or snow.

Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Carolinas): Mild and mostly dry. No active storms or floods.

Mid-Atlantic: Similar to Northeast—chilly with light precipitation possible, but nothing flood-related.

National Overview and Safety Tips

As of December 22, 2025, the NWS has active flood warnings primarily in California, with watches extending into the week. Excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding in urban areas, burn scars, and near streams. In the Sierra and Cascades, heavy snow will impact mountain passes.

Experts link these intensified storms to climate patterns, with warmer oceans fueling stronger atmospheric rivers. Holiday travelers should check NWS alerts, avoid flooded roads (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”), and prepare for delays, especially on West Coast routes.

This dynamic weather pattern underscores the importance of staying updated. For real-time alerts, visit weather.gov or local NWS offices.

State-by-State Weather and Flood Summary Table

(Other states not listed have no significant weather or flood events today.)

As the holidays approach, these West Coast storms could disrupt travel plans for millions. Stay safe, monitor updates, and heed local authorities.

From all of us at ClickUSA News, we wish you a safe and merry holiday season despite the weather challenges.