new wave of storm approaches – Paradise Post

CHICO — Days of heavy rain subsided Saturday morning, though with clouds still overhead and flood warnings still in effect.

The National Weather Service announced a colder, less intense wave of wet weather is set to bring rain, mountain snow and possible thunderstorms later in the day, with significant travel impacts expected in higher elevations in the Sacramento Valley. Periods of moderate to heavy rain could lead to additional roadway flooding and rising water levels in small streams.

Drier conditions are expected to settle in by late Wednesday, continuing into Thanksgiving.

According to the weather service, Chico and Oroville may have thunderstorms Saturday before 3 p.m., showers between 3 and 4 p.m., and a chance of combined showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Winds are expected at 8-11 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph.

In areas of the valley above 5,500 feet, a winter storm warning will be in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Cal Fire-Butte County and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office issued multiple warnings about flooded roads in Butte County, noting that not all flooded roadways will have warning signs.

Early Saturday morning, the Cal Fire water rescue team rescued a driver who attempted to cross a flooded roadway at Old Ferry Road and Chico River Road. According to a post on the Butte County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the driver was the only person in the car.

“Never attempt to drive through flooded roads — Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” stated the post. “Water can rise quickly and sweep vehicles away. Stay safe and avoid flooded areas.”

Evacuation warnings in north Chico and shelter in place orders in Oroville remain in effect as of 9 a.m. Saturday morning. In north Chico and the Richardson Springs area, zones 312, 313, 314, 315 and 317 are under evacuation warnings.

In Oroville, the following zones are under shelter-in-place orders: 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968 and 969.