News

The Central Valley prepares for flooding and severe weather

REUTERS/via SNO Sites/David Ryder

A sign warning drivers about flood water is partially covered by water in an area flooded by the Snohomish River, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Snohomish, Washington, U.S., December 11, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder

By Anahid Valencia, News Editor • Dec 23, 2025

The Valley will officially be under flood watch starting Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., bracing for heavy rainfall until Friday. The worst of the storm will pass through the night of Dec. 23 and into Dec. 24, according to USA Today.

The atmospheric river comes amid the busy holiday season, with many individuals travelling across the Valley for Christmas.

Winds up to 40 MPH could hit the Valley in addition to the rainfall, according to the Mid Valley Times.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement on X this morning regarding the severe weather:

“I’ve directed state agencies and emergency management partners to pre-position emergency crews, equipment and resources ahead of forecasted heavy rain, strong winds and flood risks,” Newsom said on X. “When severe weather threatens our communities, we don’t wait to react. We get ahead of it.”

Sandbag locations in the Central Valley can be found here.

About the Contributor

Anahid Valencia, Campus News Editor

Anahid Valencia is the News Editor at The Collegian and a staff writer for its Armenian ethnic supplement, Hye Sharzhoom. Anahid is a sophomore at Fresno State and began work at The Collegian as a reporter in Spring ‘25, after contributing and attending meetings during her first semester. After college, Anahid wants to become a TV news reporter, though writing and print journalism will always be a part of her life.

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