Central Coast atmospheric weather alerts ahead of Thursday’s storm

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A handful of weather alerts have been issued throughout the Central Coast ahead of Thursday's storm.

Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties

There is a Gale Warning for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 3 p.m. Thursday with seas of 6-11 feet expected for the near coastal waters from Pigeon Point to Point Pinos in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 3 p.m. Thursday.

Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

Southern winds will be 20 to 30 knots with gusts up to 45 knots with a high wind watch in effect from Wednesday evening through Friday morning for the following areas: interior areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties along with San Benito and South Santa Clara Counties.

Southwest winds 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph possible. Isolated gusts to 80 mph along some coastal areas such as the Big Sur Coast. 

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible.

Winds may move loose debris, result in minor damage property, and cause sporadic power outages. The combination of wind and moist soils will increase the risk for downed trees.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.

There is also a flood watch in effect from Wednesday evening through Saturday evening for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties along with the Santa Cruz Mountains into Santa Clara County. 

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks with extensive street flooding possible.

Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, and storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

To stay up-to-date, download the KION news app.

CruzAware alert in Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience issued an alert Wednesday that people in the area should expect a powerful atmospheric river beginning as early as Wednesday evening.

They said that the atmospheric river will bring rainfall and high winds with gusts up 60 MPH. They are also warning people to expect powerful waves with a flood watch in effect beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday through 10 p.m. Saturday.

CruzAware is warning people to prepare for power outages, travel impacts and localized flooding.

The county is reminding people to review family preparedness plans, charge devices, secure items on your property for wind impacts and follow local news for updates.

There is also a high surf warning in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday until 3 a.m. Saturday, according to the county.

"Dangerously large waves will impact the entire coast, particularly west-facing beaches," wrote the county in the weather alert. "Expect life-threatening conditions and significant beach erosion. Please avoid the coast."

For more information, the county suggests visiting santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3.aspx.