UPDATE: Severe flooding continues across northern California, impacting residents in Chico and surrounding areas. As heavy rainfall saturates the region, over 1,440 PG&E customers remain without power following a series of storms that began earlier this week.
Residents are experiencing a tumultuous winter, marked by a “fog-storm-fog sandwich,” according to meteorologist Scott Rowe from the National Weather Service Sacramento. As of December 26, 2025, rainfall amounts have reached a staggering 3.09 inches in Chico alone, with higher elevations recording up to 7.21 inches.
As Chico residents enjoy brief sunny skies today, fog and low clouds are expected to return next week. Rowe warns that a high-pressure system forecast for Monday could lead to a resurgence of fog, following the recent storm that brought much-needed rain but also prompted numerous power outages.
On the ground, PG&E crews have been tirelessly working to restore electricity to impacted areas. Paul Moreno, PG&E’s marketing and communications principal, confirmed that over 95% of customers in Butte County have had their power restored after facing multiple outages from the recent storms. Crews are often working 16-hour days, battling hazardous conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of affected residents.
However, approximately 1,440 customers in Butte County remain without power as of 3 p.m. today. Areas such as Forest Ranch and Gridley are among those still struggling with outages, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the storms.
In addition to power outages, flooding has rendered numerous roads impassable. The Butte County Public Works department reports multiple road closures due to high water levels. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded areas and heed local road closure signs.
Public Information Officer Megan McMann from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the Search and Rescue team has been deployed four times since Tuesday to assist individuals stranded on flooded roads. “We remind our community members to never try to drive through flooded roads,” McMann stated, emphasizing the dangers involved.
As the storms continue to impact daily life, local residents are finding moments of joy amidst the chaos. Chico residents Paige Munson and Owen Radey expressed relief at the change in weather, noting that the storms have brought a refreshing break from the monotonous fog that characterized earlier months. “The storms are kind of fun,” Munson remarked. “There’s an energy that kind of breaks the monotony.”
Looking ahead, drier conditions are expected to return by Sunday, but residents should prepare for the potential return of fog and low clouds starting Monday, lasting through at least New Year’s Day. As Chico navigates these challenging weather patterns, the community remains resilient, finding strength in unity and hope for clearer skies ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
