More rain expected in north valley
CHICO » After rainfall Sunday night, a series of storms are expected to pass over Butte County in the coming week that is expected to bring more rain and possibly a lower snow level.
The first two are expected to pass between Tuesday evening and Saturday while a larger one is projected for Sunday and Monday.
National Weather Service meteorologist Eric Kurth said residents can expect some cool, wet weather with the storms, adding that the larger storm is being tracked by the service.
“We’re watching that one in particular,” Kurth said of the weekend storm.
Historically, rain systems tend to ramp up in October around Northern California, Kurth said, though that hasn’t been the case in recent years.
While moderate rain is expected, the estimated snowfall likely won’t make its way to Butte County but rather end up in higher areas of the Lassen National Park.
There are no advisories in relation to the approaching storms yet, Kurth said.
“It looks like we’re going to have an extended cool wet period for the foreseeable future,” Kurth said.
Kurth said the weekend is still far enough out that projections could change by the time the larger storm is expected to hit.
In terms of potential flooding, Chico Public Works Director Skyler Lipski said crews have been performing routine maintenance during the dry times on different storm structures just to get ready for the rainy season.
“We welcome the much needed precipitation in our region,” Lipski said. “Public Works crews are ready to respond to any reports of flooding, downed trees or other hazards in the roadway.”
To report flooding, residents can call 894-4200 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday or call the Chico Police Department Dispatch at 895-4911 during the off hours.
A report from the National Weather Service said showers could create some slick roads and winds are expected to hit up to 30 miles per hour, creating poor driving conditions and potentially threatening temporary structures and unsecured items.
Fire
While the Dixie Fire’s containment remained at 94 percent Monday morning, there was no growth to the blaze.
Rainfall helped keep the fire from spreading, however, the stormy conditions may have hindered some progress from workers as well, said a press release issued Monday by the U.S. Forest Service.
“Overnight precipitation presents some benefits and challenges to crews striving to complete as many repair projects as they can before seasonending weather arrives,” the release said. “Access to some areas might be delayed as crews do not want to further damage roads and meadows with heavy equipment and vehicles. However, in areas they are able to access, they will observe where the surface water is pooling or not draining to inform their repairs strategies, for example, where to construct water bars and how to grade roads.”
Wind gusts, which hit up to 50 miles per hour in some areas Sunday, created hazards for repair workers thanks to tree snags blowing to the ground and forcing workers to vacate.