Santa Cruz County Storm Latest: Evacuees Return; 'We Got Lucky'

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings Thursday, paving the way for displaced Santa Cruz County residents to return home.

More than 5,000 in the San Lorenzo Valley and north coast of Santa Cruz County were ordered to evacuate amid the storm, which was forecast to be the biggest in a year. Evacuation orders were also downgraded to warnings in San Mateo County.

Though rain is expected to continue Thursday, the worst of the storm appears to have passed Santa Cruz County.

In the wake of the destructive CZU August Lightning Complex fires, officials were concerned about debris flow, which occurs when water flows downhill through burned areas — carrying with it burned trees, rocks, silt and other debris. Debris flow can cause more injuries than the preceding wildfire itself.

Unlike a wildfire, "once [debris flows] happen it's too late to get out," said county spokesperson Jason Hoppin during a Thursday morning news conference. "You can't outrun a debris flow."

Rainfall in the CZU fires burn scar area did exceed debris flow thresholds, but officials have not detected any significant land movement and will continue their search for any signs when the weather clears Thursday. Officials did not have access to private property and residents are asked to report any mudflow or debris flow at their land to firerecovery@santacruzcounty.us.

As always, county officials will take the time after the emergency response to review the data and events, and determine what, if any, changes should be made to procedures going forward, including any tweaks to debris flow threshold levels in the region.

"We're not all the way through the rainy season," said Chief Deputy Chris Clark of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. "Frankly, we got lucky, I'm extremely happy that nothing happened."

"It's definitely something to take seriously as we saw with our neighbors to the south," Clark said, referencing this week's mudslides in Monterey County that left people and animals stuck, as The Californian reported.

In the end, the county saw some damage such as downed trees, scattered power outages and pocket slides. Though the debris flow didn't pan out, officials emphasize that it was important to prepare — and the county might not fare so well the next time a storm rolls around under similar circumstances.

"It's better to be safe than sorry," said Supervisor Bruce McPherson.

As officials wind down response efforts, an evacuation center in Felton at San Lorenzo Valley High School (7105 Highway 9) is slated to close 7:30 p.m. Anyone who needs additional information may call 831-454-2181.

Cleanup crews will remain in the area of the storm for the next couple of days, clearing culverts, ditches and road surfaces, said Matt Machado, county department of public works director. All roads in the CZU fires burn scar area remained open as of 11:00 a.m., but drivers are asked to use caution as there may still be some debris on roads.

The county is footing the bill for cleanup — a particularly difficult task given the economic climate.

"We're pinched really tight right now," Machado said.

This is a developing story; refresh for updates.

Read more:

• Storm Updates: Overnight Rain To 'Sucker Punch' Santa Cruz County
• Santa Cruz County Officials Brace For Storm
• Evacuations Ordered For 5K In Santa Cruz Co.; Debris Flow Likely