Storm Updates: Overnight Rain To 'Sucker Punch' Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Hours after an overnight storm brought howling winds and heavy rains to Santa Cruz County, officials warned residents to brace for showers throughout Wednesday that could again meet threshold levels for destructive debris flow.

A second round of rains are forecast to "sucker punch" the region overnight, though the winds are not expected to be as strong, said Brian Garcia of the National Weather Service. While a flash flood watch remains until Thursday morning, a flash flood warning for the CZU August Lightning Complex burn area remains in place until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Fortunately, officials' greatest fear was not realized overnight Tuesday; there were no reports of debris flow near the CZU August Lightning Complex burn scar. Debris flow occurs when water flows downhill through burned areas — carrying with it burned trees, rocks, silt and other debris — and can cause more injuries than the preceding wildfire itself.

Geologists are set to convene Wednesday at Alba and Jamison Creek roads in the San Lorenzo Valley, looking for potential signs of land movement, said Chief Deputy Chris Clark of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. There are some indications that land may have moved in those areas.

A 30-person rescue task force from Marin County remains on standby in the event of debris flow.

Evacuation orders stand for those in the San Lorenzo Valley and north coast areas of Santa Cruz County, as officials anticipate more rains Wednesday night that could spur debris flow, the sheriff's office said. Anyone who stayed behind is urged to leave and shelter elsewhere to ensure their safety, Clark said.

Some of the Bay Area's highest 24-hour rainfall totals were reported in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Scotts Valley saw 4.1 inches, while rain levels were measured up to 3.5 inches in Boulder Creek, according to the National Weather Service. Ben Lomond registered nearly 2.9 inches, while Felton saw 2.7 inches.

Snow also blanketed higher elevations, including Saratoga Summit at 2,560 feet above sea level. Take a look at the Cal Fire station there:

SNOW AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS: Here’s a look at current conditions from CAL FIRE Station 21, Saratoga Summit in Santa Cruz County. Elevation: 2,560 feet above sea level #CaWx pic.twitter.com/hTbst1YBUS
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 27, 2021

The storm caused some damage. At least one tree fell and damaged a structure. Washouts, slip-outs and other hazards were reported on county-maintained roads. Crews were busy responding to reports of downed trees overnight and scattered power outages were reported across the length of the county.

The county asks the public to allow extra time for any travel.

3:45 AM: Most of the heaviest rain has shifted south, over the Monterey Bay area up to Gilroy. Rain will continue to slowly move south until it reaches Big Sur and the Santa Lucia Mountains, where rain will continue to fall into the later hours of tonight and even into tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/6WQC1C7Tuh
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) January 27, 2021

The weather forecast prompted officials to issue evacuation orders for some 5,000 Santa Cruz County residents in the Santa Cruz Mountains and north coast areas.

At least 260 indicated they intended to stay home and hunker down, the sheriff's office said Tuesday. That number is suspected to be even higher, as people may have decided to stay behind at the last minute.

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 are among the most destructive in state history, prompted 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 and some 25,000 PG&E customers were without power.

Stay informed

Officials urge 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
• Animal shelter for evacuees: 831-454-7226 (call 831-708-8998 for large animals)
• Questions? Call the county's informational line at 831-454-2181.

Evacuations and resource centers

Refreshments, bathrooms, charging stations, information and Red Cross personnel will be available at San Lorenzo Valley High School (7105 Highway 9) in Felton. Shelter will not be offered.

Read more:

Santa Cruz County Officials Brace For Storm

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

Flash Flood, Debris Flow, High Winds Possible In Santa Cruz Co.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.