Quick Take
An atmospheric river is heading for parts of Northern California and the Central Coast and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding to parts of Santa Cruz County. A flood watch will be in effect for the county from 4 p.m. Monday into early Wednesday.
Parts of Santa Cruz County could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, gusty winds and potential flooding over the next couple of days as a storm system makes its way across part of Northern California and the Central Coast.
All of Santa Cruz County will be under a flood watch starting at 4 p.m. Monday and lasting through 4 a.m. Wednesday and will also be under a wind advisory. The northern part of the county, for example in Davenport and in the mountains, could see wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph, while other parts of the county are forecast for 25 to 30 mph winds.
“We’re seeing multiple shots of heavy precipitation,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Lamont Bain, adding that Santa Cruzans could see some of the heaviest rainfall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. “That evening commute could certainly be really tricky.”
Bain said another burst of heavier rainfall is expected early Tuesday morning, with lighter rainfall predicted until another shot of heavier rain Thursday morning. Bain said lower amounts are expected through Friday.
He said essentially all of the county could see rapid runoff which could cause rivers and streams to rise and some flooding in low-lying areas where there’s poor drainage. He said the flooding could cause brief road closures.
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