Weather brings wind, rain and concern for more damage

UPDATED 1/19/17 6:30PM: A series of winter storms are soaking the Central Coast, snarling commutes, bringing down trees and rock slides…forcing some road closures. The storms leave behind millions in damages. According to a Santa Cruz County spokesperson, $8 million worth. Highway 17 Wednesday in the Santa Cruz Mountains experienced heavy rain and high winds along with downed trees and power lines blocking roads. It’s something residents on Redwood Drive experienced close to home. “A couple of landslides [happened] down the road and telephone lines went out” said resident Nate Hill. We were there as crews worked to make repairs. They closed the roads off for nearly 10 minutes at a time as they worked, good news for homeowners who depend on the road. Phillip Hash uses the road every day. “If it was closed for a major period of time there’d be major trouble” said resident Phillip Hash. That’s why the people who live here keep emergency supplies in their homes at all times. “Everybody out here’s pretty well prepared I mean, I have generators, rain catchment water, food.” said Nate Hill. One driver I spoke to while she waited at the closed road says living in the area since 2010 has taught her to stock up the car too.

“I’ve got my snacks, I’ve got reading material, I’ve got games, I’m all good” said Earline Griffith.

That’s not all Earline Carries with her. “We usually even have our chainsaw in case nobody shows up or something” she adds. Despite the fact that more rain could be coming their way, residents on the road say they welcome it. “Santa Cruz has been in this weather forever, it’s just another cycle, glad to get back on the upswing of having water” Hill adds.

PREVIOUS STORY: Fallen trees, rockslides and car accidents. Caltrans and public works crews are fighting an around-the-clock battle against storm-related damages. On Thursday, it was more of the same.

Just hours after Santa Cruz County announced that Bear Creek Road was open with no restrictions, it was closed again due to a landslide. By early Thursday afternoon, the road was once again open.

With another storm bearing down on the Central Coast, state parks officials decided to close Point Lobos Natural State Preserve, south of Carmel, on Friday.

KION’s Zach Fuentes is surveying the problem spots today and will have a full report tonight at 5 and 6 on KION 5/46.

18;47;17 – nate hill, redwood drive resident