Evacuations Ordered For 5K In Santa Cruz Co.; Debris Flow Likely

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Evacuations were ordered for nearly 5,000 in Santa Cruz County Monday morning as officials eyes forecasts that showed heavy rains potentially surpassing the threshold to cause debris flow in wildfire-stricken areas.

Residents of 2,800 homes in parts of the San Lorenzo Valley and north coast of Santa Cruz County were covered by the evacuation orders in the area of the CZU August Lightning Complex scar, according to county officials. Other areas remain under an evacuation warning.

Rain that will likely arrive late Tuesday and early Wednesday "is expected to meet or exceed thresholds for potential debris flow events," the county said. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputies have been busy going door-to-door, warning residents of high-risk areas.

The storm could topple fire-damaged trees and power lines, potentially leaving people in evacuation zones stranded without power if they stay home, officials said. Officials think affected roads could be cleaned up this weekend, at earliest, after the worst of the storm passes.

"I can't stress enough how important it is to heed the evacuation warning," said Chief Deputy Chris Clark at a news conference Monday. "If something bad happens despite all of our best efforts ... we just might not be able to get in there and [help you.]"

UPDATE: We are preparing for potential debris flows within #CZULightningComplex burn area & surrounding areas. Stay tuned today to developing updates. At CZU headquarters in Felton, communications operators say there have been downed trees overnight, mostly in San Mateo County. pic.twitter.com/oo18x8H0w0
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 25, 2021

See which evacuation zones were affected here or at the bottom of this article.

The sheriff's office will have looting suppression teams roving evacuated areas, he said. Additional personnel will be available to help with any emergency responses, such as rescues.

The risk of this potential debris flow event is thought to be worse than most storms in years past due to the large burn scar in the area, said Matt Machado, county Department of Public Works director.

"I think it's a one-off," he said.

Stay Informed

Officials are urging residents to stay tuned to the following informational channels as they seek to communicate emergency updates with residents:

• Zonehaven evacuation map: To see whether your home is in an area covered by an evacuation order or evacuation warning
• Road closure map: To see all reported road hazards in Santa Cruz County
• CodeRED emergency updates: A reverse 911 service for Santa Cruz County residents

Questions can be directed to the county's informational line at 831-454-2181.

In the Forecast

A flash flood watch is in place from Tuesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, covering the Santa Cruz Mountains region. Eight to 12 inches of rain is possible in the Santa Cruz Mountains, officials said, citing the National Weather Service forecast.

Santa Cruz County is also slated to be covered by a high wind watch from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. Gusts up to 60 mph are possible.

Santa Cruz County officials advised residents of affected areas to make plans elsewhere ahead of the storm, if possible. Otherwise, they should have an emergency bag packed and be prepared to leave on a planned evacuation route.

"Prepare now," officials said Sunday night.

Debris flow is of particular concern in Santa Cruz County following the recent CZU August Lightning Complex fires, which were among the most destructive in state history.

This is the third time that evacuations have been ordered in the San Lorenzo Valley region in recent months.

The CZU August Lightning Complex Fires — which scorched some 86,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,500 buildings in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties — prompted significant evacuations after they were sparked by lightning in August.

Last week, evacuees fled their homes again as wildfires tore through Santa Cruz County. Eighteen wildfires were reported in an 18-hour time span across the region, according to the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit. Near hurricane-force winds were recorded in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Evacuations and Resource Centers

Refreshments, bathrooms, charging stations, information and Red Cross personnel will be available at three evacuation centers set to open Monday. Shelter will not be offered.

• Felton: San Lorenzo Valley High School (7105 Highway 9)
• Scotts Valley: Scotts Valley Community Center (360 Kings Village Road)
• Davenport: Pacific Elementary School (50 Ocean St.)

The following areas have been ordered to evacuate:

• Ben Lomond Fire District (Zones: BEN-E001D, BEN-E002A, BEN-E002D, BEN-E004B)
• Boulder Creek Fire District (Zones: BOU-E021A, BOU-E020, BOU-E017, BOU-E016, BOU-E010, BOU-E006, BOU-E001A, BOU-E002, BOU-E033A, BOU-E038A, BOU-E031B, BOU-E030, BOU-E018A, BOU-E014, BOUE009, BOU-E003, BOU-E001B, BOU-E015A, BOU-E039A, BOU-E040A)
• Felton Fire District (Zones: FEL-E002A, FEL-E003B, FEL-E003C, FELE004A)
• Santa Cruz County Fire Dept. (Zones: CRZ-E001B, CRZ-E001D, CRZE002B, CRZ-E003B, CRZ-E003D, CRZ-E006B, CRZ-E006C, CRZ-E007A, CRZ-E017A, CRZ-E017C)

This is a developing story; refresh for updates.

See more:

• Evacuation Warnings: 'Prepare Now,' Santa Cruz Co. Officials Say
• Santa Cruz Co. Facing Flash Flood, High Wind Watches This Week
• Biggest Storm Of The Year Barrels Toward Bay Area