Storm Series Finale
Rain could be heavy at times overnight as a wet storm system moves through the area. Gusty southerly winds will continue as well. The ground is fairly saturated after several days of rain, leading to a higher potential for street flooding. Area waterways are expected to remain below flood stage, however. Showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms will follow during the day Monday before dryer weather returns.
AIR QUALITY: Good
…from the National Weather Service in Monterey (in italics)
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for Santa Cruz County west of Aptos extended until 3:15AM
(REPLACES FLOOD ADVISORY)
*Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
*Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* At 154 AM PST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.2 inches are possible in the warned area.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include... Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, Twin Lakes, Opal Cliffs and Soquel.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.
***GALE WARNING***
…for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from until 3AM Monday
*Southeast winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt expected.
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… for the coast and coastal mountains of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties in effect until 4AM Monday
*South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible at ridge tops and high elevations. In lower elevations, gusts of 30 to 35 mph are expected. Take care to secure loose outdoor items that can easily be blown over such as furniture and decorations.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Overnight: Moderate rain beginning in the late evening and lasting into the early morning. Could be heavy at times. Gusty southerly winds at times, especially on the exposed coast. Breaking to showers before dawn.
Monday: Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Gusty northwest winds at times. Cooler, with highs in the 50s.
Tuesday: High pressure nudges in from the south which will lead to slightly sunnier conditions, though high clouds will continue to stream in from the west. The lack of vertical mixing is likely to keep lower elevations a bit cooler and inverted—highs in the 50s to low 60s, though the hills will warm up. Fog possible in the valleys in the morning.
Extended: A fast moving weather system will ride over the ridge and into our lives on Wednesday. It does have some moisture to work with, so moderate rain is expected. We may see a few inches in the coastal ranges, but less in the valleys/coast. Showers may linger into Thursday morning, then we’re likely dry through the weekend with the ridge building in—high clouds will continue to stream in, though.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 38ºF
HIGH: 62ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 29th – February 4th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: El Niño Advisory
- ENSO Forecast: Strong to Very Strong El Niño expected this winter.
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free
