1 dead in Redding as dangerous rain, flooding threaten parts of Northern California

(LOS ANGELES) — Heavy rain and dangerous flooding left one person dead in Redding, California, the mayor announced on Sunday.

It comes as flood watches are in effect for more than 30 million across California due to the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding in the coming days.

Redding Mayor Mike Littau said in a post on Facebook on Monday that the person’s cause of death is under investigation.

Emergency responders received a call from a person stuck while water was coming into their vehicle, but their phone died, the mayor said.

A Redding police officer swam out into the water, broke the windows and pulled the person to shore, where CPR was administered, but the person did not live, according to Littau.

“We had several acts of heroism by first responders,” he added. 

The mayor said Sunday that local police and fire crews were out doing water rescues while Public Works and Redding Electric Utility were working to clear roads and restore power to customers.

Cities across Northern California on Sunday saw roadways inundated with flooding, leaving vehicles stranded.

The deadly flooding is due to repeat atmospheric rivers that continue to swamp the West Coast.

A Flood Watch was announced for much of Northern California, including Redding and Sacramento, on Saturday, with some areas expected to get 4 to 6+ inches. 

On Christmas Eve Wednesday, another coastal storm will set its sights on the West Coast, but this time Southern California will bear the brunt.

There is growing concern for potentially significant flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows impacting portions of SoCal, as heavy rain sweeps across the region. The greatest concern will be across wildfire burn scars.

ABC News’ Amanda Morris contributed to this report.

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