Strong winds, a chance of thunderstorms and widespread rain are expected to hit Santa Cruz County late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning as part of an atmospheric river system covering much of California.
The strongest rainfall is forecast to land overnight into Thursday and could cause minor flooding in low-lying urban areas and small streams. Most areas will have about 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, while the Santa Cruz Mountains could have see 2 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Light rain could last through Friday.
A wind advisory is in place from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday as strong wind gusts of between 35 to 50 mph could reach the coastline and higher elevations.
Starting Wednesday night and through Friday, Santa Cruz County has a slight chance for thunderstorms, which could bring lightning strikes, gusty winds, heavy rain and small hail. Gusty winds are expected to calm by late Thursday.
By Friday, the storms could bring beach hazards including breaking waves up to 20 feet, sneaker waves and strong currents.
The National Weather Service advises inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water.
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