FEMA warns of flooding risks on the Central Coast during the winter

FEMA is warning Central Coast residents about flooding this winter.According to FEMA officials, flooding is likely to threaten homes near the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County.

The river runs through Paradise Park and when the rain comes, the river goes up, something longtime resident Gary Lea knows well.

“Houses down on the other side of the river those houses were underwater. Not fully, but a good part of them were underwater and this happened four or five times to one of the people I know that lives on the other side of the park,” said Paradise Park resident Gary Lea.

While major flooding may not be a risk with this latest storm, FEMA said it is very likely Monterey, Santa Cruz and Salinas will be threatened by flooding this winter.

“Actually all 58 counties in California have experienced at least one major flood event in the past 20 years,” said Edie Lohmann, the National Flood Insurance Program Specialist, FEMA

However, there are things you can do to protect yourself such as moving valuables to higher levels, and removing debris from gutters.

“Stay informed. We want people to be prepared, to have an emergency kit, have a family evacuation plan, stay alert and informed.”

Another great way to be prepared is flood insurance.

FEMA recommends talking to your insurance agent and determine if that insurance would be a good fit depending on where you live.