Santa Cruz County Evacuation Warnings Downgraded To Advisories

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Evacuation warnings in Santa Cruz County were downgraded Friday morning to evacuation advisories.

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.

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."

Potential debris flow risks remain, but there is no longer an increased level of danger, Cal Fire said in a Friday morning news release. People in evacuation advisory zones should keep a bag packed and be prepared to leave on an emergency evacuation route, if possible.

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.