Quick Take
As the first atmospheric river of the season heads toward California, Santa Cruz County can expect an onslaught of rain and some minor flooding for the next five days. The National Weather Service anticipates up to 1.5 inches of rain will fall at the height of the storm.
Santa Cruzans can expect to bundle up and hunker down as the season’s first atmospheric river heads toward California’s coast. While Santa Cruz will receive a significant amount of rainfall, a National Weather Service meteorologist says areas north of San Francisco will be the most affected by the storm.
NWS meteorologist Nicole Sarment said Santa Cruz County can expect an onslaught of rain starting Tuesday night through Sunday. The first round of storms will douse the county in just under three-quarters of an inch. After a brief lull late Thursday night, another 1.5 inches will splash down through the weekend, with the downpour peaking on Friday.
Some flooding is to be expected, especially around blocked storm drains, which might lead to ponding on roads. The storm will also bring colder temperatures and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
The storm set to hit Santa Cruz County is just a drop in the bucket compared to 6 to 10 inches headed for Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties. Santa Cruz County will not only be spared the brunt of the coming atmospheric river, but will also be in a good position to handle the incoming deluge, Sarment said.
“We haven’t had a lot of rain. So, the soils are capable of taking in this moisture that they are going to be getting. And we’re not expecting any mainstream river flooding,” she said. “All of these are good news things.”
Last year, a series of atmospheric rivers hit the county and saturated soils, causing widespread damage throughout the region. This time, the soil is drier and ideal for absorbing larger volumes of water. With less saturation in the ground, NWS does not anticipate heavy tree falls or landslides.
But Sarment still encourages residents to prepare ahead of time by clearing gutters and storm drains, replacing old windshield wipers, trimming loose tree limbs, moving in patio furniture and avoiding floodwaters.
“You never know how deep floodwaters are,” Sarment said. “Always remember: Turn around, don’t drown.”
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