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. Thanks!

December 31, 2017 at 8:35 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

December 31, 2017 at 8:24 AM Chance of rain early next year. If you’re ready for a pattern change, then you’re in luck! A couple storms are lining up in the Pacific & should impact NorCal late next week.

December 30, 2017 at 12:53 PM Car into a ditch on the 11000 block of Bitney Springs Road, no injuries reported.

December 30, 2017 at 12:15 PM Fire engines out to check on another burn pile on a NO BURN day in the Lime Kiln area.

December 30, 2017 at 12:08 PM Units at scene on Dawnrdge report an oversized burn pile with trash, they can handle with the resources at scene.

December 30, 2017 at 11:46 AM Report of a possible vegetation fire due to an escaped burn pile (on a no burn day) on Dawnridge Drive in the Higgins area. Emergency services en route.

December 30, 2017 at 9:01 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

December 30, 2017 at 9:00 AM Structure fire on Greenhorn contained to granny unit. Fire units responded for a reported residential structure fire on the 17000 block of Greenhorn Road at 3:41 am today. Crews arrived to find an approximate 200 square foot granny unit fully involved.

December 29, 2017 at 10:37 AM An 18-wheeler truck is stuck on the Bear River bridge on Dog Bar Road. Use an alternate route if possible.

December 29, 2017 at 9:31 AM Caltrans: EB I-80 at Blue Canyon. Collision closed right lane. Traffic moving thru on left two lanes. Watch out for emergency personnel and highway workers. Avoid distractions when driving! Put down all devices.

December 29, 2017 at 8:06 AM Possible accident on eastbound Hwy 20 near Harmony Ridge Road. Use caution in the area.

December 29, 2017 at 7:12 AM Wet weather is expected to return by the middle of next week. Confidence is improving that there is a pattern change coming, with the potential for some precipitation by the middle of next week. Stay tuned for details as they develop!

December 28, 2017 at 7:27 AM Ho-Hum: Dry and relatively mild weather expected for New Year’s Eve and Day. Quiet and mild weather will continue into the weekend.

December 28, 2017 at 7:18 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

December 27, 2017 at 6:15 PM Westbound Magnolia is closed at Combie Road in front of Lake of the Pines after a three-car accident. Emergency services are on scene, expect delays and use an alternate route if possible.

December 27, 2017 at 8:36 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

December 27, 2017 at 8:30 AM Dry with above normal temperatures, but a possible change to start the new year. Fair skies are expected through the remainder of the week. Some changes are in store this weekend as high pressure over the west coast begins to give way allowing clouds to move into the area. The next chance of precipitation over northern California will be next week.

December 26, 2017 at 10:11 AM Two-vehicle accident on Brunswick Road at Loma Rica Drive, emergency services on scene. A power pole might be damaged.

December 26, 2017 at 9:08 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

December 25, 2017 at 8:59 AM Quiet weather week ahead. Dry and mild weather expected for Christmas Day.

December 23, 2017 at 11:01 PM Live: NORAD tracks Santa 2017. Starting at 2:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 24 (11:01 PST on Dec. 23), website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 3 a.m. PST, trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.

December 23, 2017 at 6:21 PM If you saw a bevvy of law enforcement vehicles on Hwy 49 and Broad Street in Nevada City with lights and sirens, fear not. It was a send off for a retiring law enforcement officer. No crime in progress or pursuit. ?

December 23, 2017 at 10:35 AM Dirty ridge of high pressure keeps temperatures above normal. Extensive cloud cover has blanketed northern California under a dirty ridge of high pressure. This cloud cover has aided in preventing strong radiational cooling; temperatures across the region are running upwards of 15 degrees warmer than 24 hours ago.

December 22, 2017 at 9:19 AM Cold nights and mornings the next several days with near or below freezing temperatures. Dry weather is expected through Saturday with above normal daytime temperatures. A weak system will bring the chance for showers, mainly in the mountains, later on Sunday into Sunday night. Dry and mild for Christmas Day.

December 21, 2017 at 1:20 PM Units at scene report one minor and one moderate injury at the accident near Gold Flat. Ambulance is requested to continue in .

December 21, 2017 at 1:15 PM Two-vehicle accident on Hollow Way and Gold Flat Road, emergency services are en route.

December 21, 2017 at 8:51 AM Dry weather today with breezy north winds and freezing overnight temps. Cold nights lie ahead for the interior of NorCal. The coldest night is expected to occur on Thursday night/Friday morning when lows may dip into the teens in the mountain valleys with upper 20s and lower 30s prevalent through the Central Valley.

December 21, 2017 at 8:28 AM Happy Winter Solstice 2017. At this solstice, the Sun reaches its maximum southern declination of -23.5 degrees today at 16:28 UTC (8:28 PST), while its right ascension coordinate on the celestial sphere is 18 hours. That puts the Sun in the constellation Sagittarius in a direction near the center of our Milky Way galaxy.

December 20, 2017 at 9:01 PM Heads up and slow down: There is black ice on red dog Road just east of Nevada City. Also Banner-Quaker Hill Rd going into Cascade Shores is VERY ICY. The road has not been sanded/ salted and the small amount of snow that fell froze. It has made the big hill into the shores treacherous. Be super careful driving to or from Cascade Shores! Thanks to reader Josh for the info.

December 20, 2017 at 11:17 AM Caltrans: Chain controls lifted on Eastbound I-80. Westbound controls still in effect Donner Lake Interchange to Kingvale. Roads remain icy and slippery. Take it slow and arrive safely!

December 20, 2017 at 10:48 AM The Winter Weather Advisory valid until 1 am has been canceled.

December 20, 2017 at 6:32 AM A tree is blocking the southbound lane on the 12000 block of La Barr Meadows Rd. Use caution in the area.

December 20, 2017 at 5:56 AM Showers through the morning, breezy and cold north winds overnight. Cold nights lie ahead for the interior of NorCal. The coldest night is expected to occur on Thursday night/Friday morning when lows may dip into the teens in the mountain valleys with upper 20s and lower 30s prevalent through the Central Valley.

December 20, 2017 at 4:35 AM Chains are required on Hwy 20 from the turnoff to the Town of Washington to the junction of I-80.

December 20, 2017 at 2:08 AM Chain controls are now up on Interstate 80 from Kingvale to Donner Lake. Roads are snow-covered up there so travel safely!

December 19, 2017 at 8:38 AM Fast, Cold Storm System Tonight into Wednesday. A fast and cold storm system will move through northern California Tuesday night into Wednesday. Light rainfall is expected for the Valley, with low elevation mountain snow. Light snow accumulations are possible around 2000 feet along the northern mountains to around 3000 feet along the Sierra. After the storm passes, freezing temperatures are likely across much of the region for a few nights with clear and dry conditions.

December 19, 2017 at 8:17 AM Cal Fire has suspended open burning due to critical fire weather conditions.

December 18, 2017 at 11:18 AM Non-injury accident on Hwy 174 at Bass Trail. Emergency services on scene, roadway is clear.

December 18, 2017 at 9:56 AM Caltrans: Lanes blocked Hwy 20 west of Smartsville for disabled vehicle pulling trailer. Tow truck en route. Expect delays for one way traffic controls.

December 18, 2017 at 8:11 AM Quick blast of snow followed by gusty winds and cold temps starting Tuesday night. A fast-moving weather system will bring a quick shot of precipitation to the region Tuesday night into Wednesday. Travel impacts will be possible across the northern Sierra Nevada beginning late Tuesday night and continuing through much of Wednesday.

December 17, 2017 at 2:27 PM Heads up! Lower elevation snow Tuesday night and Wednesday. A quick weather system will move through northern California Tuesday night and Wednesday. Light rainfall is expected for the valley with low elevation mountain snow. Light accumulations possible around 2000 feet in the north to around 4000 feet in the south. Locally lower snow levels will be possible.

December 17, 2017 at 12:17 PM Structure fire in the Chicago Park area has been knocked down. Firefighters will remain on scene for mop-up for at least one hour.

December 17, 2017 at 12:11 PM Report of a structure fire on Mount Hope Road near the Challenge Cut Off Road in the Forbestown area. Third-hand report of a possible structure fire with extension to the wildland. Foothill Fire and Cal Fire en route.

December 17, 2017 at 12:27 AM Vehicle accident on South Auburn and School Street. Two cars, one of top of the other. GV Police, fire and ambulance at scene.

December 16, 2017 at 8:49 PM Passenger vehicle fire on Hwy 49 near Newtown Road. Emergency services en route.

December 16, 2017 at 7:21 PM Updates on the Buckeye Fire east of Nevada City off Hwy 20, will be posted here https://yubanet.com/Fires/buckeye/

December 16, 2017 at 7:11 PM Additional resources dispatched to the fire on Hwy 20, east of Whitecloud. Estimated at 2 acres, requesting two additional crews and one water tender.

December 16, 2017 at 6:26 PM Escaped debris burn near the Whitecloud campground on Hwy 20. Units en route.

December 16, 2017 at 3:34 PM Smoke check on Wolf Creek Road past Ocelot Drive, units en route.

December 16, 2017 at 2:46 PM Smoke check on Hwy 20 and Scotts Flat Road, possible escaped burn approximately 100 ft past the Harmony Ridge Market.

December 16, 2017 at 2:34 PM Fire on McCourtney is contained to a 75 by 75 spot. One crew on order for mop-up, some engines are being released.

December 16, 2017 at 2:31 PM Multi vehicle accident on the 11400 block of Wolf Road. Emergency services are on scene.

December 16, 2017 at 2:18 PM Report of a grass fire on the 19000 block of McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. Multiple units en route.

December 16, 2017 at 11:50 AM Strong north winds today into tonight – Red Flag Warnings and Burn Bans in effect. Strong north winds have developed behind yesterday’s weather system. The strongest winds will occur down the northern Sacramento valley and along the interior coast range. The winds will decrease slightly tonight then continue to decrease slowly on Sunday.

December 15, 2017 at 12:00 PM Suspension of Burn Permits Due to Red Flag Warning in Placer, Nevada, Yuba and Sutter Counties. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Placer, Nevada, Yuba and Sutter Counties immediately, Dec. 15, 2017, after the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for this weekend due to critical fire weather conditions.

December 15, 2017 at 11:36 AM Spread some holiday cheer – subscribe to YubaNet and your favorite non-profit will benefit. T’is the season to spread some holiday cheer. YubaNet is powered by your subscriptions and we are grateful to each and every subscriber. We’re also happy to feature non-profits and the extraordinary work they do in the community.

December 15, 2017 at 8:47 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY. No-Burn Day Note: The California Air Resources Board has declared a large number of No-Burn Days lately. This has been due to extended high pressure and poor smoke dispersion, and will change when conditions change. PS: It is illegal to burn wrapping and packaging. Burn only natural vegetation.

December 15, 2017 at 8:38 AM Gusty winds and dry conditions will create critical fire weather conditions Saturday. Weak weather system moves through later today into tonight bringing a threat of some light showers over the Shasta and Plumas mountains and higher elevations of the Northern Sierra Nevada. Precipitation amounts will be light with little to no snow accumulations expected. Strong high pressure builds inland behind it resulting in breezy to windy conditions over much of Interior Northern California beginning late tonight and continuing into Sunday. Strongest winds are expected along the western Sacramento Valley, extending into the Coastal Range Saturday. With this extended period of dry weather, fuels have become unseasonably dry. This combined with gusty wind and lower humidity will increase the fire weather danger this weekend. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Interior Northern California this weekend. In addition, a Wind Advisory has been issued for Saturday.

December 14, 2017 at 7:27 AM Dry and mild again, gusty north winds forecast for late Saturday. High pressure continues to bring sunny and dry weather with above normal temperatures for December. Another period of gusty north winds is becoming increasingly likely Saturday across Northern California. Make sure those holiday decorations are nice and secure!

December 13, 2017 at 3:14 PM Accident on Hwy 174 between You Bet Road and Dalmation Drive. A minivan is blocking the roadway. Emergency services are on scene. Reduce your speed and watch for traffic control.

December 13, 2017 at 11:22 AM Heads Up, Earthlings! The Geminids are here – meteor shower peaks tonight. The shower will peak overnight Dec. 13-14 with rates around one per minute under good conditions, according to Cooke. Geminids can be seen on nights before and after the Dec. 14 peak, although they will appear less frequently.

December 13, 2017 at 10:55 AM Traffic delays in Colfax between Rollins Lake Road and Main Street on Hwy 174. Caltrans is cleaning drainage ditches, expect delays.

December 13, 2017 at 8:19 AM Clear skies, cold nights, mild days and no change. We will remain in a quiet weather pattern this week with cool nights and mild afternoons.

December 12, 2017 at 9:42 AM Quiet weather pattern this week. Strong ridge over the West forecast to retrograde to along the coast through mid-week, then a short-wave trough is forecast to flatten the ridge as it moves over the top on Friday.

December 11, 2017 at 3:38 PM All suspects in the reported home invasion on Greenhorn Road have been apprehended, according to a voice message from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office to residents in the area. Thanks to reader Robin for forwarding the message.

December 11, 2017 at 8:34 AM The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department is currently searching the Greenhorn/Blazing Star area for two armed suspects in a robbery/home invasion. CHP is assisting with their helicopter overhead.

December 11, 2017 at 7:04 AM Persistent dry weather. Patchy morning fog & frost in some valley locations this morning. Mild and sunny today, possible record high temperatures for the northern Sacramento Valley. Little change this week.

December 9, 2017 at 10:24 AM Don’t forget, between noon and 1:00 pm the Food & Toy Run will sweep through Nevada City and Grass Valley on their way to the Fairgrounds. Take your time and wave at them.

December 9, 2017 at 10:17 AM Over 8,500 firefighters have made significant progress on the wildfires burning in southern California. As containment lines continue to be reinforced, many evacuations have been lifted. To date, these six fires have burned more than 175,000 acres and destroyed 793 structures. Above normal temperatures will accompany the winds and low humidity this weekend. Another round of stronger, offshore winds is expected tonight into Sunday with east-northeast winds of 20-35mph with gusts approaching 60mh. Northern California remains dry, with above average daytime temperatures and cold nights. All updates on the fires can be found here: https://yubanet.com/Fires/

December 8, 2017 at 7:11 PM Accident on northbound Hwy 49 at the Gold Flat on ramp.Emergency services on scene.

December 8, 2017 at 8:17 AM More of the same: Chilly nights and mild days. Above normal temperatures during the day and cool mornings expected through the weekend into next week. Good weather for outdoor activities.

December 7, 2017 at 1:27 PM Non-injury accident on Hwy 20 near Rough&Ready Hwy. Emergency services on scene.

December 7, 2017 at 11:57 AM

December 7, 2017 at 8:17 AM Cool nights and mild days on repeat. Beginning to sound like a broken record, but high pressure will remain in control for the foreseeable future.

December 6, 2017 at 10:58 PM Cal Fire NEU rehires seasonal firefighters, sends strike teams to SoCal. Exactly one month ago, Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer (NEU) unit, together with most of Northern California units, transitioned out of peak fire season. Today, the unit rehired seasonal firefighters and sent additional strike teams to Southern California to the existing blazes and preposition engines for any new fires.

December 6, 2017 at 8:53 AM Mild days, cool nights and no change in sight. The storm track has shifted significantly north of Northern California. This will likely leave most of the Western US dry for at least the next 10+ days.

December 5, 2017 at 10:56 AM Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra Counties Burn Permit Suspension Lifted. Effective Monday, December 4, 2017, at 8:00 AM residential door yard burn permits are no longer required in the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit. This includes the state responsibility areas of Nevada, Yuba, Placer, and Sierra Counties. Residential burn permits will be required beginning May 1, 2018.

December 5, 2017 at 8:56 AM Dry weather with cold nights and mild days will continue through the week. Breezy northerly winds will continue across the Sacramento Valley today while gusty easterly winds will gradually decrease across the northern Sierra Nevada.

December 4, 2017 at 4:15 PM The power outage affecting Washington, Downieville and Sierra City is caused by a tree into a 50 Kv line. No estimated time for restoration available at this moment.

December 4, 2017 at 1:06 PM Power outage off Hwy 174 and Meadow Drive. 12 customers affected.

December 4, 2017 at 12:38 PM Power outage on the San Juan Ridge reduced to 529 customers between North San Juan and North Columbia.

December 4, 2017 at 11:56 AM Power outage in the Town of Washington extends all the way up to Bassetts and Haskell Creek via Sierra City and Downieville. 1,236 PG&E customers affected.

December 4, 2017 at 11:05 AM Power outages in Grass Valley along Silver Creek Drive, Dixon Road, Delia Court, Brighton Street. All in all, over 100 homes and businesses affected.

December 4, 2017 at 11:02 AM Thanks to reader James for this update: power is out in Washington since about 10 a.m. PG&E says 2:45 p.m. for restoration.

December 4, 2017 at 10:43 AM The power outage along Dog Bar Road between Rattlesnake Road down to Wolf Creek Road is affecting 112 people. PG&E has assigned a crew to assess the outage.

December 4, 2017 at 10:41 AM Power outage affecting 1,140 people on the San Juan Ridge area from French Corral to North Columbia, including North San Juan. Estimated time of restoration is 1:30 pm.

December 4, 2017 at 8:55 AM A 2 by 4 in the roadway on Hwy 49 before the Bear River bridge. Slow down!

December 4, 2017 at 8:09 AM Cold and very breezy during the day, freezing temps at night. Cold overnight temperatures expected early this week with temperatures near freezing in portions of the Valley, and in the teens across the high Sierra Nevada. Crops and other sensitive vegetation could see frost damage, and outdoor livestock and pets should be protected. Breezy offshore winds are expected today with local wind gusts up to 40 mph in the Sacramento Valley, and 50-60 mph gusts possible across higher terrain. Widespread impacts are not expected with these winds.

December 3, 2017 at 12:59 PM Freezing to near freezing overnight temperatures, breezy winds. Cold overnight temperatures expected early this week with temperatures near freezing in the valley and in the teens across the Sierra Nevada. Crops and other sensitive vegetation could see damage as could outdoor livestock and pets. Breezy offshore winds possible Monday. Gusts up to 25 mph possible across the valley and up to 35 mph along mountain ridgetops. Widespread impacts are not expected with these winds.

December 3, 2017 at 9:33 AM Icy roads in Truckee this morning. Please slow down and allow extra time to get to your destination. Truckee Police Department is on scene of a non injury collision at Northwoods Blvd and Northwoods Blvd. Collision is not causing any traffic delays or road obstructions at this time. Please drive slow and allow extra time to get to your destination.

December 2, 2017 at 9:10 AM Light snow over the Sierra passes today and Sunday. A weak weather system will be moving through NorCal this afternoon through Sunday morning. Light snow will be possible over the Sierra passes causing minor travel difficulties.

December 1, 2017 at 11:29 AM Dorsey ramp is clear again.

December 1, 2017 at 11:14 AM Accident on Hwy 49 northbound at the Dorsey Drive on ramp. Vehicle vs lamp post. Emergency services are on scene, roadway is blocked at this time.

December 1, 2017 at 8:02 AM Car vs deer on northbound Hwy 49 at Alta Sierra Drive. Use caution in the area and slow down. Emergency services are on scene.

December 1, 2017 at 7:16 AM Weak mountain storm expected this weekend. The system will move thru by early Sunday with cool, dry and breezy weather expected to continue in its wake early next week under northerly flow.

December 1, 2017 at 6:53 AM If you are looking for last month’s log, it can be found here.