Three storms are lined up to strike the Central Coast with heavy rains and strong winds, starting later today. Four inches or more of rain is possible in parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
High-wind and flash-flood watches have been issued for the region, and Santa Cruz County residents can expect downed trees, power lines, and possible flooding, the National Weather Service has warned. Winds of up to 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 65 mph between Friday afternoon and midday Saturday.
Officials from Santa Cruz County, the City of Santa Cruz, and UC Santa Cruz Office of Emergency Services are urging residents to use caution when traveling around the region. Due to the possibility of mudslides and falling trees, exercise caution in heavily wooded areas, including campus.
Santa Cruz County maintains several storm resources for residents:
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Storm Preparedness website: santacruzcounty.us/StormPreparedness.aspx
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County Office of Emergency Services: www.santacruzcounty.us/OES
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Current road closures (Santa Cruz County roads only): www.sccroadclosure.org
In addition, residents may look up current PG&E power outages at www.pge.com/outages, or call their 24-hour hotline at 800-743-5002.
Additional storms are expected later Saturday and on Monday, though forecasters do not expect either to be as strong as this evening’s.
