Happening Now is a feature designed to bring updates, announcements and info on news items throughout the day. You are invited to participate. See a road closure? A business opening? A smoke plume? Storm-related mishaps like downed trees, power lines, road or other flooding? Email us at news@yubanet.com or call 530-478-9600 to let us know. You can also text us reports to 530-409-9888, but please don’t text or call while driving.

April 30, 2018 at 10:51 PM Hidden Valley Road at Auburn Road will remain closed to traffic until 3 am after a vehicle hot a power pole. PG&E crews are onsite and working overnight to replace the pole and restore service.

April 30, 2018 at 2:34 PM Vehicle rollover on Dog Bar Road between the bridge and Magnolia Road. Emergency services on scene, both lanes blocked. Only minor injuries reported.

April 30, 2018 at 12:11 PM The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit will require dooryard burning permits for residential burning within the state responsibility areas of Nevada, Yuba and Placer Counties effective 8 a.m. Tuesday May 1st 2018.

Photo courtesy Dylan Murty

April 30, 2018 at 10:27 AM Only in Nevada City: Local realtor Mimi Simmons just escorted this happy family from the Boulder Street crosswalk to the Nevada Street bridge. Then, she walked them down to the stairs at the Deer Creek Inn where the avian family safely entered Deer Creek. Thanks to reader Dylan for sharing the good news.

April 30, 2018 at 7:25 AM Warming trend gets underway – breezy north winds on Tuesday. Warmer & drier weather expected this week except for scattered showers & thunderstorms over the Sierra through Wednesday.

April 29, 2018 at 10:42 AM The car accident on Hwy 20 at Harmony Ridge was a non-injury accident and no fire has resulted from the accident.

April 28, 2018 at 8:41 AM Breezy, Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms through Monday. Large area of low pressure off the West Coast will move through over the weekend bringing much cooler temperatures, gusty wind over higher terrain, and scattered showers and thunderstorms. Best chances for precipitation will be in the afternoons and evenings. Seek shelter if thunderstorms develop in your area. Drier weather expected in the lower elevations Monday with a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms over the mountains.

April 27, 2018 at 5:25 PM Escaped control burn on Blind Shady Road in North San Juan. Units en route.

April 27, 2018 at 10:31 AM Habitat restoration work underway for the pond at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The pond will only be partially drained and later this year a trail around the pond will be constructed. Fairgrounds personnel is aware of the geese and the goslings, they will be protected.

April 27, 2018 at 8:29 AM Geese and their goslings are trying to cross Hwy 49 at the Brunswick off ramp. Slow down!

April 27, 2018 at 8:27 AM Accident on McCourtney near Thoroughbred Loop. Emergency services on scene.

April 27, 2018 at 7:25 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra Counties.

April 27, 2018 at 7:23 AM Breezy, cooler and a chance of thunderstorms. Cool unsettled weather is expected over northern California this weekend as a Pacific low pressure system passes through the region. Light showers or Thunderstorms will be possible for parts of the north state.

April 26, 2018 at 11:36 AM Another small fire on westbound I-80 near Dry Creek. Firefighters are making good progress.

April 26, 2018 at 11:34 AM Small grass fire on westbound I-80 near Clipper Gap Road. Firefighters are on scene.

April 26, 2018 at 11:30 AM Yesterday, we got an exclusive look at the ongoing MAFFS training at McClellan Air Base. Those big military planes you see flying over Placer and Nevada counties? Here’s what they do. Forest Service, Air National Guard and cooperators conduct MAFFS training at McClellan for upcoming high fire season

April 26, 2018 at 8:11 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra Counties.

April 26, 2018 at 6:53 AM Increasing chance of mountain thunderstorms through the weekend. Be alert for possible thunderstorms over parts of northern California this weekend. Follow the lightning safety rules.

April 25, 2018 at 7:33 AM Dry and warm weather continues today, slight cooldown coming later this week. Temperatures will remain warm today across interior NorCal while some cooling will begin near the Delta.

April 25, 2018 at 7:16 AM Yuba River Ranger District is planning to burn 5 acres of handpiles at the Omega Rest Area, along Highway 20. Smoke will be visible and fire personnel/apparatus will be on scene. Please drive with extra caution when traveling through this area.

April 24, 2018 at 6:22 PM Reported vegetation fire southwest of Iowa Hill in the vicinity of Copper Knoll Road. Numerous  engines and personnel en route to the remote location. The fire was first reported by the lead plane of the MAFFS currently training over Nevada County. It is burning in brush and timber, approximately 1/4 acre. There is no threat to homes.

April 24, 2018 at 3:37 PM Sheriff Keith Royal reached out today to Cheryl Wicks and Curt Romander, the co-founders of Sammie’s Friends, and proposed a contract extension and further negotiations regarding the non-profits’ running of the Nevada County Animal Shelter. More info: https://yubanet.com/regional/contract-extension-for-sammies-friends-proposed/

April 24, 2018 at 10:02 AM According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, there is no immediate threat at Nevada Union or Bear River High Schools. Following a call to 911 reporting a possible threat, NCSO personnel went to the campus. Officers also talked to a student off campus and determined that there is no threat to the campus or the students. Another call, very vague on details, reported a possible threat at Bear River High School. Officers checked the campus and no threat has been located.

April 24, 2018 at 6:42 AM No change: Warm and dry weather continues. Warm weather will continue across the region today.

April 23, 2018 at 5:24 PM Reported vehicle fire on Hwy 20, firefighters are unable to locate any vehicle on fire or smoking. Canceling the response.

April 23, 2018 at 5:11 PM Passenger vehicle fire just east of Pleasant Valley Road on Hwy 20. Vehicle reportedly in the slow lane. Firefighters en route.

Photo Peardale Chicago Park FD

April 23, 2018 at 5:00 PM Accident on Hwy 174 near You Bet Road, both lanes are open but traffic control is in place.

April 23, 2018 at 4:23 PM Units on scene at Cabrera report the burn pile is not posing a threat to any homes or property. Classified as a false alarm, all units can return to their stations.

April 23, 2018 at 4:18 PM All units to stage at the intersection of Perimeter and Cabrera roads.

April 23, 2018 at 4:16 PM Firefighters are attempting to make access to the vegetation fire on Cabrera. Possible access off Perimeter Road.

Photo Peardale Chicago Park FD

April 23, 2018 at 4:12 PM Firefighters are mopping up a small fire on You Bet Road.

April 23, 2018 at 4:10 PM Escaped debris burn on the 16000 block of Cabrera Road in the Higgins area. Units en route.

April 23, 2018 at 3:51 PM Reported vehicle accident on eastbound Hwy 174 near You Bet Road. Emergency services en route.

April 23, 2018 at 9:25 AM Reminder: MAFFS Training Overflights near Nevada City this week. From April 22 through April 27, visitors to the Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City may see a large, low-flying, military C-130 aircraft performing water drops. But this isn’t an early-season wildfire – it’s a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) training flight.

April 23, 2018 at 8:00 AM Warm temperatures and afternoon mountain thunderstorms. Seasonably warm weather will continue across northern California. An approaching upper level disturbance will bring chances for mountain thunderstorms each afternoon through the weekend, starting Tuesday. Cooler weather is expected by the end of the end of the week, where afternoon temperatures will return to near average.

April 22, 2018 at 5:12 PM Escaped debris pile on Winther Way, Dobbins area. Resources on scene.Thanks!

April 21, 2018 at 1:13 PM

April 21, 2018 at 11:43 AM Power has been restored to all homes in Alta Sierra.

April 21, 2018 at 10:31 AM 1,344 customers out of power in Alta Sierra. PG&E assessment crew is en route to the outage.

April 20, 2018 at 7:49 AM Ride the bus for free in Nevada County today and Saturday. Transit Free Fare Days: Earth Day April 20th – 21st

April 20, 2018 at 7:48 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

April 20, 2018 at 7:45 AM Daytime temperatures to jump a good 10 degrees or more over Thursday. Even more warming is expected on Saturday as the overall airmass continues to warm. Highs on Saturday will reach into the 80s in the valley with mid to upper 80s forecast for the northern Sacramento valley.

April 19, 2018 at 8:40 AM Dry with above normal temperatures. High pressure over the west coast will bring warming over the next few days. Daytime highs by Saturday will be some of the warmest of the season so far.

April 18, 2018 at 8:58 AM All updates on the fire at the Nevada County Airport will be posted here: https://yubanet.com/Fires/nevada/

April 18, 2018 at 8:49 AM Evacuation of all civilians from the airport premises is underway as a precautionary measure.

April 18, 2018 at 8:46 AM Primary objective is civilian and firefighter safety. Water supply at the airport is good, several hydrants in the immediate vicinity.

April 18, 2018 at 8:44 AM Battalion 2 is at scene, reports heavy smoke showing from one of the large airport hangars. Establishing an incident command post now, all units are to continue in.

April 18, 2018 at 8:40 AM Fire on Loma Rica Drive in Grass Valley, numerous units en route. Appears to be in one of the hangars at the airport.

April 18, 2018 at 7:54 AM A dusting for the mountains, cloudy and a little cooler elsewhere. A Pacific low pressure system will bring light snowfall to NorCal mountains this afternoon through Thursday morning. Not a lot of snowfall is expected but snow levels will be relatively low for this time of year.

April 17, 2018 at 8:22 AM Weak storm system Wednesday and Thursday. Dry and warmer weather today. A weak storm will move through Wednesday into Thursday with best chances for precipitation over the mountains and from Interstate 5 westward.

April 16, 2018 at 11:54 AM Car off the embankment on Gracie at Banner Lava Cap Road. No injuries reported.

April 16, 2018 at 7:24 AM Showers continue with a chance of thunderstorms. Pop up showers and thunderstorms today. Mountain snow will continue above 3500 feet. Chain controls are in place this morning so expect some delays!

April 15, 2018 at 10:35 PM

April 15, 2018 at 6:38 PM Report of a possible structure fire on Oak Forest Drive near You Bet Road. Units are in the area, attempting to locate.

April 15, 2018 at 5:40 PM Vehicle accident on Magra Road. Overturned SUV with emergency services on scene. Both lanes blocked. Detour via Secret Town.

April 15, 2018 at 12:05 PM Vehicle accident on Lower Colfax. Emergency services on scene, waiting for a tow truck. Use caution in the area.

April 14, 2018 at 10:21 PM Vehicle vs pole on Lawrence Way in Alta Sierra. Power lines across the roadway, emergency services are on scene. One patient reported. PG&E crew en route.

April 14, 2018 at 10:10 AM Wet weather returns late Sunday. Dry and warmer conditions expected today. Pacific storm will move through Sunday into Monday with light to moderate rain in the Central Valley and foothills and moderate to heavy snow in the mountains. Precipitation will begin Sunday afternoon into evening with the heaviest occurring Sunday night. Winds increase Sunday morning and peak Sunday afternoon into evening. Showers expected Monday with thunderstorms possible in the Central Valley and Foothills, best chances in the afternoon. Drier weather returns Tuesday.

April 13, 2018 at 5:51 AM Dry and warmer today and Saturday, another storm arrives Sunday. Rain forecast across Northern California Sunday into Monday. Up to 1 inch is possible across the Valley, with the heaviest amounts on the northern end. 1 to 2 inches of precipitation is expected over the mountains.

April 12, 2018 at 10:47 AM Traffic signals are out at Pleasant Valley Road and Hwy 20. No ETA for fix yet.

April 12, 2018 at 9:06 AM Dry and warmer Friday and Saturday, another system coming in on Sunday. Another cold and wet storm system arrives Sunday-Monday.

April 11, 2018 at 11:52 PM A structure fire on Summit Ridge Road in Cascade Shores is close to containment. When the first units arrived on scene the structure was about 75% involved. Downed power lines caused some access issues for the firefighters. There is no threat to any adjacent structures. 3 homes are out of power, PG&E crew is on scene and will repair the lines and pole once the fire is fully contained. Nevada City, Nevada County Consolidated and CAL FIRE units are on scene.

April 11, 2018 at 7:31 AM Colder and wetter system moving through fairly quickly. Another fast-moving weather system will spread precipitation southward across the region later today into Thursday.

April 10, 2018 at 7:31 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Yuba counties.

April 10, 2018 at 7:16 AM Precip returns – sprinkles today, colder and heavier Wednesday/Thursday. A weak system with high snow levels moves in on Tuesday. A slightly stronger system with lower snow levels moves in Wednesday into Thursday.

April 9, 2018 at 3:10 PM Donkeys out for a stroll are in the roadway on Pleasant Valley Road near Meadowwood Road. Please slow down in your multi-horsepower vehicles.

April 9, 2018 at 1:11 PM Now major injuries reported after a motorcycle vs motorcycle accident on Spenceville Road near Southbridge Road. Emergency services are on scene.

April 9, 2018 at 12:00 PM A U-2 Dragonlady, accompanied by 2 fighter jets, appears to be training over western Nevada County and Yuba County.

April 9, 2018 at 8:06 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Yuba counties.

April 9, 2018 at 7:37 AM Milder temperatures return today. Dry weather will continue across Northern California through Monday. A series of considerably weaker storm systems will arrive Tuesday-Thursday this week.

April 8, 2018 at 12:53 PM State Parks has reopened the parking lot at the 49er Bridge. Please be VERY careful if you go anywhere near the Yuba in the coming days. Water levels are high and the currents incredibly swift.

April 8, 2018 at 9:28 AM It’s a great day for a run!

The Daffodil Run is underway in Penn Valley. Thanks to reader Lee for the photo.

April 7, 2018 at 3:49 PM The South Yuba this morning, video courtesy David Townsend.

April 7, 2018 at 10:37 AM Atmospheric River moving out, weaker storm systems next week. The atmospheric river has begun to exit the region, though a few lingering showers and possible thunderstorms are expected today. Water levels will be slow to recede this weekend as water makes it way through the system. Light snow accumulations will be possible at high elevations as colder air returns. The active weather pattern will continue next week as several weaker, colder storm systems move through the region.

April 6, 2018 at 10:43 AM State Parks has closed the parking lot at the 49er bridge due to concerns over possible landslides. Please respect the signs and DO NOT park in the lot.

April 6, 2018 at 9:56 AM Semi tractor trailer blocking the Bear River bridge at Dog Bar Road at Magnolia.

April 6, 2018 at 9:21 AM NWS update: Periods of gusty southerly winds tonight and Saturday: 30-40 mph Valley and 50-60 mph or higher mountains.

April 6, 2018 at 8:24 AM Warm and very wet storm moving through the area today through Saturday. The Atmospheric River has arrived! Rain, moderate to heavy at times, will continue throughout the day. Localized flooding is possible so use caution when out and about today!

April 5, 2018 at 7:46 PM Report if a vegetation fire on Pine Crest Drive in Dobbins. Reported as burning in brush and timber, approximately the size of a house. Several resources en route.

April 5, 2018 at 10:19 AM Truckee River at Truckee (TRCC1). A CHANGE IN FLOOD CATEGORY HAS BEEN **FORECASTED** Previous Forecasted flood stage was: Moderate Flooding, New Forecasted flood stage is: Major Flooding Forecasted 48 hour crest: 6.5 ft at 2018-04-07 17:00:00 UTC.

April 5, 2018 at 9:32 AM Yuba River Ranger District is planning to conduct pile burning within the Camptonville and Sierra City areas today (4/5/2018). They are planning for 5 acres of hand piles along Marysville Road, across from Rebel Ridge Trailhead. In the Sierra City area, we are planning for 2 acres of hand piles near the Wild Plum Campground/Day-Use area. Smoke will be visible and fire resources and apparatus will be on scene. Please drive with extra caution when traveling through these areas.

April 5, 2018 at 8:35 AM Today until 5:00 pm: Hwy 174 One-way Traffic Operation from Lakewood Lane Rt to Bear River Pines Rt.

April 5, 2018 at 7:58 AM Notification from the Northstar Fire Department: The National Weather Service is predicting a severe wet weather system moving into the area Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening. There is a possibility of flooding of rivers, creeks, drainages and low lying areas. NCSD has sand and sandbags available at the NCSD sand barn located at 51C Trimont Lane.

April 5, 2018 at 7:26 AM Storm moves in later today, heaviest precip Friday and Saturday – flood watch in effect. A weak storm today and tonight will be followed by a much wetter storm on Friday and Friday night. Heavy rain and melting mountain snow may cause local flooding. Decreasing showers Saturday but an afternoon thunderstorm threat over the valley. Lowering snow levels Sunday with lingering showers for minor mountain travel impacts.

Photo courtesy Brooke

April 4, 2018 at 7:58 PM NSJ Firefighters have contained the burn on Tyler Foote Crossing.

April 4, 2018 at 7:53 PM Firefighters have made access to the fire on Tyler Foote Crossing. Approximately 1/4 acre, resources on site can handle.

April 4, 2018 at 7:49 PM Possible escaped debris burn off Tyler Foote Road past Oak Tree Road in North San Juan. Units are attempting to make access to the fire. Additional resources requested.

April 4, 2018 at 5:04 PM

April 4, 2018 at 10:43 AM Confirmed false alarm on Mill Street in Grass Valley, all engines are canceling.

April 4, 2018 at 10:41 AM Commercial fire alarm at the old Owl Tavern on Mill Street in Grass Valley. Firefighters en route.

April 4, 2018 at 10:05 AM

April 4, 2018 at 8:58 AM A wet, but warm (“Pineapple Express”) storm system will impact northern California during the latter half of the week and into the coming weekend. Heaviest precipitation forecast Friday night – Saturday morning. There is a slight chance of Saturday afternoon thunderstorms. The warm and wet storm will likely increase snow melt runoff, especially at the lower mountain elevations.

April 4, 2018 at 7:29 AM Cloudy skies today, atmospheric river arrives late tomorrow. Dry and warm today. Wetter pattern returns beginning Thursday and continues into the weekend.

April 3, 2018 at 1:23 PM Morna IC reports the fire is contained by Bullards Bar on one side. One engine, one water tender and both hand crews to continue in. The fire is burning at a slow rate of spread.

April 3, 2018 at 1:16 PM First unit has arrived on scene and reports the fire is approximately 1/4 acre in size, smoldering in brush and duff.

April 3, 2018 at 1:11 PM Washington Ridge crews 1 and 4 are being dispatched to the fire on Moran Road.

April 3, 2018 at 1:00 PM Additional resources are being dispatched to the fire on Moran Road, one water tender and two more engines en route.

April 3, 2018 at 12:52 PM Report of a vegetation fire on the 11000 block of Moran Road, near Oregon Hill Road in Challenge. Firefighters en route.

April 3, 2018 at 10:23 AM Penstock Incident Commander is releasing most of the engines. Overhaul of the structure and investigation into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

April 3, 2018 at 8:20 AM Atmospheric River is expected to bring heavy rains across interior NorCal late this week. A warm weather system is expected to impact California late this week. Preliminary estimates suggest significant rainfall amounts possible across interior NorCal. Stay tuned for updated forecast details.

April 3, 2018 at 7:42 AM Initial report for the fire on the 500 block of Penstock was of a deck on fire, with an explosion heard. Resources on scene can handle the incident, reporting structure involved. No reports of injuries at this time.

YouTube video

April 3, 2018 at 7:31 AM Numerous engines and firefighters responding to a residential structure fire on Penstock Drive in Grass Valley. Reported as a deck on fire, firefighters are making good progress.

April 2, 2018 at 9:19 AM A large bag of cement in the #1 lane is creating a traffic hazard on northbound Hwy 49 between Brunswick and Gold Flat.

April 2, 2018 at 7:35 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

April 2, 2018 at 7:07 AM Dry and breezy today, atmospheric river takes aim at California on Friday. Breezy north winds are expected across interior NorCal by this afternoon.

April 1, 2018 at 7:02 PM Motorcycle vs fence on the 10000 block of Bitney Springs Rd. Emergency services en route, motorcycle rider appears injured.

April 1, 2018 at 1:23 PM Car fire on westbound I-80 between Magra and Colfax. Lanes are completely blocked. CHP is shutting down westbound lanes of I-80 at Secret Town. Emergency services trying to get to the scene. Avoid the area if possible.

April 1, 2018 at 10:33 AM Wet Weather Returns Later This Week. Dry and mild through the middle of next week. Breezy conditions expected for the valley on Monday with gusts up to 30 mph. A wet, but warm storm system will impact northern California for the end of this week and into this coming weekend. There are still some uncertainties with details this far out so stay tuned!

April 1, 2018 at 9:24 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

April 1, 2018 at 0:01 AM Last month’s log can be found here.