SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Evacuation “will be necessary” for the people living along Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks as Santa Cruz County braces for a second major storm in less than a week, officials said Tuesday.
“We are letting people living in those areas know that, in all likelihood, they are going to have to evacuate,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Melodye Serino.
The evacuation warning was one of several for North, Mid- and South County in advance of a storm expected to hit Tuesday night, bringing as much as 8 inches of rain to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and “as much, if not more” than the previous storm.
Saturday’s storm brought flooding to many neighborhoods across the county.
Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks are once again expected to rise quickly, and Corralitos Creek is expected to overtop its banks, with flood waters predicted for College and Holohan roads, along with Bridge Street and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The storm and subsequent runoff are expected starting Tuesday evening through Thursday.
In addition to the South County locations, the evacuation warnings include large swaths of Capitola neighborhoods on either side of Soquel Creek, and along Aptos Creek in Rio Del Mar.
In addition, the areas west of Henry Cowell State Park known as the Paradise Park area are under evacuation warnings, as are the Felton Grove neighborhoods northwest of Henry Cowell.
To see if your neighborhood is included in the warning, visit community.zonehaven.com.
The Pajaro River Flood Management Agency and the City of Watsonville are working with the County to open culverts under East Lake Avenue to improve drainage along Corralitos Creek. They are also removing sediment and debris left behind by Saturday’s storm.
County officials say that property owners in the affected areas should prepare by registering for emergency alerts with CodeRed, or by texting SCR911 to 99411.
Flood Tips:
• Pack a “to go” bag with clothing, toiletries, medications, cell phone chargers, and important documents
• Make a plan for your pets. For information, visit www.ready.gov/pets
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. In a flood, move to higher ground. Be aware of drainage channels and other areas known to flood suddenly.
• Do not drive, walk or swim through flood waters if you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Roads underneath may be damaged and impassable. Don’t drive through floodwaters or around barricades. Only a few inches of water can sweep your vehicle off the road.
• Return home only after being told its safe to do so.
• After a flood, stay away from downed power lines and designated disaster areas.
• Stay out of standing floodwater. The dirty water can disguise hazards below the surface, such as deep holes and dangerous debris.
For additional information:
