Storm ravages Chico State, Whitney Hall left without power, campus buildings flooded
The cross section of West Sacramento and Mechoopda Street was flooded about knee deep Tuesday Photo credit: Nate Rettinger
Chico State and the surrounding downtown areas were hit with an intense storm Tuesday, leaving buildings including Tehama Hall, Whitney Hall and the Student Health Center flooded with water. Although only west Chico was affected by the flooding, powerful rain, hail and lighting were seen throughout the majority of the city.
According to Chico State, there was minimal damage done to buildings. Classes are still in session, however, the Student Health Center was closed Wednesday. Whitney Hall, which holds over 600 people, has been out of power since Tuesday night.
Though some buildings experienced minor flooding due to the rains Tuesday evening, there is no significant damage, just cleanup work. There is no anticipated impact to classes or campus business Wednesday. Unless conditions change, you should plan to attend as scheduled.
— Chico State (@ChicoState) April 3, 2019
On Tuesday at 4:54 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for Butte County, Nord and the surrounding areas. No tornado ended up forming, but looming clouds were seen.
A thunderstorm began just after 5 p.m., rain pouring over campus and the surrounding areas. Hail was also seen coming down, forming a slush of ice and water outside many students’ apartments and houses.
A flood warning was issued at 7:02 p.m. and streets began filling with water. Many cars were stopped in the road, unable to drive through. The WREC, the parking garage ground floor and the intersection of Warner and West Sacramento Avenue were completely flooded.
On the corner of Warner and West Sacramento Ave., it looks more like a river than a road. @theorion_news #flashfloodChico pic.twitter.com/CXNfvJvJPf
— Kendall George (@kendallmgeorge) April 3, 2019
This is what the Safeway on Nord’s parking lot looks like right now. Had to go through knee deep water to get to my car. pic.twitter.com/Tm1fZ3IKcK
— Brian Luong (@brianluongorion) April 3, 2019
The cross section of West Sac and Mechoopda is flooded about knee deep @theorion_news pic.twitter.com/1UwU7Re8pw
— nate_rettinger19 (@NRettinger19) April 3, 2019
Modoc Hall was also flooded in the storm.
Chico State student Diana tells us how the flooding affected Modoc Hall @theorion_news #ChicoState #ChicoFlashFlood pic.twitter.com/0ASgLrCksn
— Angel Ortega (@AngelOrtegaNews) April 3, 2019
Some students, however, used the flooding to their advantage, going swimming, taking showers and canoeing through the streets. Many posted their experiences on Twitter.
Lmaooooooo this is so fucked #chico pic.twitter.com/eHjvtnSSpI
— Riley de Wit (@R_deWit) April 3, 2019
Here are student submitted videos from the flood last night. Be on the lookout for an article coming soon from @theorion_news. First video is from Christain Neiswonder. #ChicoFlashFlood pic.twitter.com/NZgxoo0xEU
— Kendall George (@kendallmgeorge) April 4, 2019
If you have photos or videos you would like to share with us, please email [email protected].
Kendall George can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kendallmgeorge.
