The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant winter storm for the Santa Cruz area beginning early Wednesday and continuing through Thursday afternoon. It is expected to bring hazardous weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and high winds.
Travel safety
Safety comes first. The UCSC community is advised to stay indoors whenever possible. If you need to travel, use extreme caution when on the roadways. Motorists should not cross standing water when the depth cannot be ascertained. Be on the lookout for stalled vehicles, downed trees and areas prone to flooding. Plan additional time for travel to all destinations in and around Santa Cruz County and in the greater Bay Area.
Check these websites for current information on road conditions and closures:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi?roadnumber=17
https://www.localconditions.com/weather-santa-cruz-california/95062/traffic.php
Possible work disruptions
For employees who are impacted and unable to work, either due to evacuation, road closures or power loss, please inform your manager or department chair as soon as possible and let them know what support you need and the best way to reach you.
We ask that managers and supervisors, many of whom may be impacted themselves, show as much flexibility as possible in accommodating employee needs. Work priorities should be examined in light of this emergency situation.
Students and employees needing assistance
Slug Support is available to provide students with immediate food, housing, and other essential needs. Students in need of immediate help should call the program’s crisis line at 831-459-7003. Information is also available on the Slug Support webpage. For non-emergency needs, please email deanofstudents@ucsc.edu or call 831-459-4446 and leave a message.
Employees who have been evacuated and are in need of emergency evacuation
housing assistance can find information on the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience webpage.
An event like this can be stressful. In addition to support services offered by staff in the colleges and resource centers, Counseling and Psychological Services provides assistance for students. The Employee Assistance Program provides counseling and support for faculty and staff.
