Happening Now brings you community news, updates and announcements throughout the day.
Send your photos and updates to 530-478-9600.
January 8, 2026 at 12:38 PM Yuba County Sheriff’s update: Following a thorough investigation and comprehensive search of the school campus, no threat was identified. All lockdowns have since been lifted.
January 8, 2026 at 10:01 AM Tree into the power lines cut off PG&E power for 127 customers in Lake Wildwood along Echo Blue Drive, Buckeye Circle and Chaparral Circle, trouble crews are on scene. Estimated time of restoration is 1:30 pm.
January 8, 2026 at 9:51 AM Yuba County Sheriff’s update: Not all schools within Yuba County are on lockdown. Only the following schools:
- Lindhurst High School
- Johnson Park Elementary
- South Lindhurst
- Ella Elementary
- Olivehurst Elementary
January 8, 2026 at 9:11 AM NWS update: Breezy northerly winds develop today, gusting to 20 to 30 mph. Cold temperatures are expected Friday and Saturday, with morning frost and lows near freezing.
January 8, 2026 at 9:08 AM Yuba County Sheriff’s Office notification: At approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Yuba Gardens Elementary School regarding a phone call in which a caller made a threat toward the school. While there is no evidence at this time of an immediate or credible threat beyond the phone call, we are taking the situation seriously and exercising an abundance of caution. All schools have been placed on a hard lockdown, and a deputy has been stationed at each campus to ensure student and staff safety.
January 8, 2026 at 8:49 AM From reader Gina: A very small tan dog (slightly larger than a Chihuahua), still wearing a leash, has been running around the 14000 block of Pierite Road (general Bitney Springs area). Doggy is thin, hungry, and scared. Won’t let us get close enough for a photo. If you know anything, please call us (530-272-3944)
January 8, 2026 at 7:53 AM Reader Ken reports icy conditions at Scotts Flat.
January 8, 2026 at 6:54 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burn only dry, natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
January 7, 2026 at 8:18 AM Accident on Hwy 49 at Cherry Creek, car vs road marker, no injuries reported.
January 7, 2026 at 7:38 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burn only dry, natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
January 6, 2026 at 7:21 PM The South Pine bridge is open again.
January 6, 2026 at 7:17 PM Emergency personnel is at the South Pine bridge in Nevada City, use an alternate route.
January 6, 2026 at 6:01 PM Wildwood sunset by reader Laurie.
January 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM Non-injury accident on Hwy 174 at Edgewood Dr, the roadway is clear.
January 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM Butte County Sheriff: On January 5, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received a 9-1-1 call from the residence of Congressman Doug LaMalfa regarding a medical emergency. The call was transferred to medical personnel, who immediately responded to the residence. Congressman LaMalfa was transported to Enloe Hospital for treatment. Upon arrival at Enloe Hospital, Congressman LaMalfa was taken into emergency surgery. Congressman LaMalfa passed away during the surgical procedure. In accordance with standard protocols, the Coroner’s Unit of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death. A forensic pathologist is scheduled to conduct an autopsy as part of this investigation. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest condolences to the LaMalfa family during this difficult time.
January 6, 2026 at 11:32 AM A weak system on Wednesday will bring the potential for showers in the mountains, foothills, and northern Sacramento Valley. A return to longer term dry weather starts on Thursday as high pressure sets in.
January 6, 2026 at 9:22 AM Avalanche Victim Identified; New Details Emerge. Search efforts concluded last night on the evening of Jan. 5. All remaining individuals known to be in the area are accounted for and are safe. There are no other victims or outstanding persons.
January 6, 2026 at 7:47 AM A dog is running in the roadway on Hwy 20 at Harmony Ridge, use caution.
January 6, 2026 at 6:43 AM NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) statement on the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
January 6, 2026 at 6:12 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burn only dry, natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
January 5, 2026 at 8:26 PM Units at scene on Lake Forest Dr can handle, canceling all incoming resources.
January 5, 2026 at 8:23 PM Units at scene on Lake Forest Dr report nothing showing, they’ll investigate.
January 5, 2026 at 8:18 PM Reported residential structure fire, chimney fire with flames visible on Lake Forest Drive near Woodchuck Ct in Lake Wildwood. Numerous resources dispatched.
January 5, 2026 at 7:36 PM Confirmation of earlier reports, sadly. Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Volunteers Respond to Avalanche; One Fatality Confirmed.
January 5, 2026 at 5:59 PM Accident on Searls Ave at Ridge Rd in Nevada City, units arriving at scene.
January 5, 2026 at 3:04 PM CHP Helicopter H24 is on its way to the reported avalanche rescue north of Castle Peak. Truckee Careflight Helicopter is over the area already.
January 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM Avalanche location is north of Castle Peak.
January 5, 2026 at 2:27 PM Confirmed false alarm at Sierra College.
January 5, 2026 at 2:23 PM Alarm sounding at Sierra College Grass Valley campus, per the alarm company. Units dispatched.
January 5, 2026 at 2:21 PM Avalanche reported with one person missing – SAR and Truckee units being dispatched as soon as the location is confirmed.
January 5, 2026 at 2:16 PM Snow totals from the last 3 days.
January 5, 2026 at 9:26 AM Travel impacts are expected today in the mountains, with heaviest rain and mountain snow expected north of I-80. Brief break in precipitation Tuesday, with minor impacts from rain and snow expected Wednesday, though this system is trending weaker. A return to longer term dry weather starts Thursday.
January 5, 2026 at 7:50 AM Union IC is holding two engines at scene, all others can return to their respective stations.
January 5, 2026 at 7:46 AM Union IC reports no fire, a burnt out HVAC motor caused the alarm. They are checking for any extension to the electrical systems. Incoming units to stage one block out.
January 5, 2026 at 7:41 AM Units at scene at Union Hill Elementary report nothing showing from the exterior, they will investigate.
January 5, 2026 at 7:40 AM Units at scene on Hwy 174 at the school and the alarm company report only minimal staff at the school.
January 5, 2026 at 7:37 AM Union Hill Elementary School is evacuating due to a possible structure fire. Numerous resources dispatched.
January 5, 2026 at 6:09 AM Due to inclement weather, the Truckee courthouse will open late at 10:30am on Monday, January 5th, 2026. The morning calendar will trail to 10:30am.
January 4, 2026 at 6:15 PM Flood Advisory remains in effect until 9 PM PST this evening.
January 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM Peardale-Chicago Park firefighters were busy keeping the roadway safe on Meadow View Drive earlier today. Be prepared to stop and use extreme caution on flooded roadways.
January 4, 2026 at 12:29 PM Firefighters at Green Ravine have extinguished the reported chimney fire, they are checking for any possible extension now. All resources should be released in the next 20 minutes.
January 4, 2026 at 12:19 PM Sierra County: The Downieville Public Utilities reminds all customers that the Boil Water Order remains in effect at this time. This Boil Water Order will stay in place until the State of California has reviewed the required water quality test results and formally authorizes the lifting of the order. While water sampling and testing are ongoing, final clearance must come from the State. Due to current weather patterns and conditions affecting the water quality, the Boil Water Order may remain in effect for at least one additional week. Until official notice is given that the order has been lifted, all water used for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, or washing dishes should be boiled. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one to three minutes before use. Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
January 4, 2026 at 11:42 AM Reported residential structure fire, possible chimney fire, on the San Juan Ridge on Green Ravine Rd off Old Mill Rd. Units dispatched.
January 4, 2026 at 11:20 AM Car vs tree on Hwy 174 at White Oak Dr, units dispatched.
January 4, 2026 at 9:08 AM Major mountain travel impacts from snow through Monday – periods of heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms and breezy winds elsewhere. Major mountain travel impacts above 5000 feet through Monday with white out conditions at times. Heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, and breezy southerly winds today. Urban and small stream flooding may result from heavy rain.
January 4, 2026 at 8:20 AM The South Yuba is running at 3,600 cfs at the 49 bridge. The Middle Yuba is running at 2,000 cfs above Our House Dam and the North Yuba is running at 7,100 cfs below New Bullards. The flows continue to increase with the ongoing storm. 7,100 cfs can fill up 4.8 Olympic-sized swimming in under a minute – stay away from the water’s edge.
January 3, 2026 at 8:27 PM In light of recent violent attacks in our area, a Community Update was held — hosted jointly by Color Me Human, Mayor Hilary Hodge of Grass Valley and Nevada City Councilmember Daniela Fernandez — to share information, hear directly from law enforcement, and connect with organizations and individuals who are actively responding to these events.
Here is the full video:
January 3, 2026 at 6:40 PM Units at scene on Brewer will check the single occupant of the vehicle, they can handle with resources at scene.
January 3, 2026 at 6:34 PM Vehicle off the roadway, possibly non-injury, on Brewer Road near Lawrence Way. Units dispatched.
January 3, 2026 at 2:08 PM An update from Nevada County Consolidated Chief Robitaille: With the anticipated rain and wind, Cal OES has approved my request to preposition a task force consisting of 5 engines effective from today 1/3/26 at 0800hr through 0800hrs on Monday (48 hours). With this addition, we will have a total of 20 staffed local government engines available from NCC, Grass Valley, Higgins, North San Juan and Peardale. NCC also has swiftwater team available to deploy if needed.
January 3, 2026 at 2:03 PM Large tree in the roadway on Hwy 20 at Rough and Ready Hwy, firefighters dispatched.
January 3, 2026 at 1:37 PM Multiplying power outages in Lake Wildwood. Over 700 PG&E customers now affected.
January 3, 2026 at 12:45 PM Two-car accident on Hwy 174 at Old Grass Valley Rd just past the Bear River bridge on the Colfax side, units dispatched.
January 3, 2026 at 12:12 PM A band of heavy rain and thunderstorms is moving through the area.
January 3, 2026 at 12:01 PM Power outage affecting 127 customers along Chaparral Circle in Lake Wildwood after a tree fell into the lines.
January 3, 2026 at 11:15 AM Units on Hwy 49 report there is a tree on the right hand side, not blocking the roadway.
January 3, 2026 at 11:04 AM Another tree reported in the roadway on Hwy 49 near the Idaho-Maryland off ramp, potentially the previously reported down tree.
January 3, 2026 at 10:59 AM Tree in the roadway on southbound Hwy 49 just before the McKnight off ramp. Use extreme caution.
January 3, 2026 at 8:50 AM Sorry for the radio silence, had to procure and install a new router. We’re back!
January 2, 2026 at 11:30 PM Caltrans is in the process of setting up chain control eastbound at Kingvale.
January 2, 2026 at 1:57 PM Brief break in precip before second storm arrives later today. Major Mountain Travel Impacts from Snow this Weekend. Periods Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Elsewhere.
January 2, 2026 at 1:46 PM This will behaved dog was found with a collar on but no information or tags, about 2 mi north of Camptonville. Call 530-913-4746 if this is your dog.
January 2, 2026 at 11:30 AM Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is thrilled to announce the arrival of its first baby of the New Year, Joseph Diaz Hernandez.
January 2, 2026 at 7:03 AM Worth noting: no utility power outages are reported in Nevada and Placer counties as of right now. That may change later tonight with the forecasted winds.
January 2, 2026 at 6:04 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burn only dry, natural vegetation that grew on the property where you are burning. Never burn garbage, construction debris, painted wood, wet piles, or piles composed primarily of leaves and pine needles. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
January 1, 2026 at 6:48 PM All units responding to Nevada City Hwy are being canceled, false alarm.
January 1, 2026 at 6:46 PM Commercial fire alarm sounding on Nevada City Hwy at the Arco gas station, units dispatched.
January 1, 2026 at 5:34 PM From reader John: A brief break in the rain looking towards the 49 bridge from above Jones Bar.
January 1, 2026 at 2:55 PM Non-injury accident on Hwy 174 at Brunswick Rd, fire units are at scene and providing traffic control.
January 1, 2026 at 1:27 PM Meadowlark IC is releasing all units after identifying an issue with the home’s HVAC unit.
January 1, 2026 at 12:54 PM Meadowlark IC is releasing some resources.
January 1, 2026 at 12:46 PM Units have arrived at Meadowlark, they’re investigating.
January 1, 2026 at 12:40 PM Reported gas hazard, smell of propane, on Meadowlark Ct in Lake Wildwood. Units dispatched.
January 1, 2026 at 10:22 AM Units at scene on Argall Way in Nevada City report burnt food set off the fire alarm, no fire.
January 1, 2026 at 9:24 AM Active weather pattern continues into next week with periods of rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Precipitation continues to spread inland through tonight with snow levels above 8,000 feet. Brief break Friday morning before next round moves in bringing additional moderate to heavy precipitation, urban and small stream flooding concerns, gusty southerly winds, and isolated thunderstorms Friday afternoon through the weekend.
January 1, 2026 at 7:55 AM Accident on Lower Colfax Rd near Sunshine Valley Rd, units dispatched.
January 1, 2026 at 12:42 AM Today is a federal holiday, making it a No Burn day.
January 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM Wishing you health, peace, happiness and prosperity in 2026.
– Susan and Pascale
January 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM You can find last month’s log here.