A powerful holiday storm slammed California, triggering flash floods, mudslides, and mass evacuations as a state of emergency was declared in six counties. Southern California faced one of its wettest Christmas periods in years, with burn scar zones turning deadly as mud and debris swept through mountain communities. Emergency crews carried out rescues, evacuation orders were issued, and the National Guard was placed on standby as officials warned residents to stay alert with more severe weather still expected.

A shocking incident unfolded in Sacramento when a medical helicopter carrying patients from a children’s hospital spun out of control and crashed near Highway 50, close to Howe Avenue. The terrifying moment captured on camera by stunned commuters, shows the chopper plummeting dangerously close to moving vehicles, causing panic and immediate road closures on both sides of the highway. Multiple injuries have been reported, with emergency response teams rushing to the scene to rescue trapped passengers. Authorities have confirmed that a full air accident investigation is underway to determine what led to this catastrophic mid-air failure. WATCH