Ready for rain? Expect 5 inches through Sunday

It's going to rain this week. A lot.

The National Weather Services anticipates about 5 inches of rain between today and Sunday night in Yuba-Sutter.

"Wind and rain are going to be the main events this week," weather service meteorologist Holly Osborne said.

Authorities expect the heaviest rainfall tonight and into Friday morning with wind gusts reaching 43 mph in some areas.

Heavy rain fell Wednesday, though no major issues were reported, and no roads were closed.

The Sacramento River is expected to flow over the Tisdale Weir some time Saturday, prompting its closure on Friday, according to the Sutter County Public Works Department. The boat launching facility will remain closed indefinitely.

Authorities don't believe the Feather River will see any substantial spikes in level, but plan to monitor flow levels as a precaution.

Officials anticipate flooding on several rural roads, especially in southeast Sutter County and areas around the bypass, such as Franklin Road.

"The Public Works Department is prepared," county spokesman Chuck Smith said. "We anticipate the typical problems that occur when there's a lot of water."

Smith said the county is offering free sandbags at more than half a dozen sites throughout the week. Location information is available on the county's website.

Yuba County also expects small patches of flooding in low-lying areas, especially near storm drains and creeks.

"Right now, we need residents to help us in clearing storm drains and taking extra care when traveling on our roads," Emergency Services Manager Scott Bryan said in a statement.

Officer Jodie Beck of the California Highway Patrol said there were no rain-related vehicle collisions, but several motorists reported hydroplaning.

"Oil on the roads comes to the surface in wet weather which makes the roads much slicker," Beck said. "And, as always, people should slow down while driving."

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.