Oroville, CA February 20, 2017 – The warning is unrelated to last week’s Oroville dam spillway incident.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning and High Wind Warning for portions of interior Northern California. Butte County is forecast to experience an uptick in flooding problems as an intense Atmospheric River type storm arrives. The strongest part of the storm is expected Monday into Tuesday including high precipitation and strong winds. The valley is expected to receive 1 to 3 inches of rain Monday through Tuesday with up to 10 inches on the upper Ridge. Winds are expected Monday evening through early Tuesday morning gusting 50 to 64 mph. High winds may cause downed trees and power lines, blowing debris, and widespread, potentially long-lasting power outages.

The entire region has saturated soils and many flooded areas already. This will enhance the impact of additional heavy rains this week. Additional stress will be placed on levees, rivers, creeks, and streams. Butte County already has 27 roads closed across the County. Flooding may occur in locations which have not been impacted in many years. Residents are strongly advised to be prepared for flooding. Butte County residents should be prepared to evacuate if localized flooding should affect their area. Areas of concern include:

  • Nord;
  • Palermo;
  • Thermalito;
  • portions of Kelly Ridge;
  • Carriage Estates;
  • the area between Centennial Ave and Chico Canyon Road; and
  • other low lying areas in the County.

Evacuations Centers and Animal Shelters

Two evacuation centers will be opened Monday morning at 9:00 am in Butte County for residents displaced by localized flooding. There are no new Evacuation Warnings or Immediate Evacuation Orders in place for Butte County residents. These evacuation centers are open to residents experiencing flooding or anticipating flooding in the next few days.

  • Neighborhood Church of Chico, 4801 Notre Dame, Chico
  • Church of the Nazarene, 2238 Monte Vista Avenue, Oroville An evacuation center was opened last week at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds for residents evacuated due to the Oroville spillway incident.

The Silver Dollar Fairgrounds remains open for evacuees from the Oroville Spillway incident, residents evacuating due to storm-related flooding should go to the newly opened evacuation centers starting Monday morning. The Oroville Dam is safe and the spillway is stable; this warning is not related to the Oroville Dam.

Animal Shelters

Small Animals: a shelter will be open Monday morning at 9:00 am in Oroville at 2279 Del Oro, Suite D in Oroville

Large Animals: Camelot Equestrian Park, 1985 Clark Rd, Oroville, is accepting large animals. Please bring supplies for your animal including food, water, blankets, and other necessary supplies. Camelot is not accepting any fowl.