Heavy rain impacting drivers headed home for Thanksgiving

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION)–Heavy rain pounded drivers headed through Santa Cruz on the highway Tuesday, some headed home to family for Thanksgiving.

The rain was off and on in some areas, but at it's worst, it created poor visibility for drivers on the roadways.

This storm is causing concern for many people in Santa Cruz around one of the busiest travel times of the year.

“It’s a genuine safety concern. We have people ask us, 'are you seriously going drive down the 17 tonight,' but you really don’t have a choice,” driver Max Houghton said. “It’s just the only road, the only way you can get down to the bay from here.”

Houghton and Hannah Sendae Diego are on their way to Sonoma County and, with this kind of weather, they’re expecting delays.

“We live two hours away on a good day, but I mean, tonight, it’ll probably take us 3 or more hours just to get back home,” Sendae Diego said.

The heavy rain is creating dangerous conditions on the road for drivers. Tuesday night a car was towed from Mt Hermon Road in Scotts Valley, leaving traffic at a standstill.

People are also preparing for power outages with the combination of strong winds and rain in the area, as well as trees sitting close to the power lines.

“After the last two, we have our preparations in place when we need them but it’s more just, it's hard for the local stores, and things like that, that really get hit hard if they don't have generators when the power goes out,” Aptos resident Emily Crandall said.

But some people aren’t bothered by the rain, especially after a dry season.

“I love the rain. And California needs it, definitely,” said Louis Santucci who is visiting Rio del Mar.

Santa Cruz County saw several reports of traffic hazards Tuesday night, including flooded roadways and downed trees.

Thousands were also left without power.

If a power line does come down in your area, PG&E said not to touch it and to report it to 911 immediately.