Flooding Rains & Damaging Winds
Another severe storm system takes aim on the Central Coast into Monday. Flooding appears likely for streams in the coastal mountains as an atmospheric river is directed over the area for 12+ hours, especially due to saturated ground. This system will also produce damaging winds which are also more likely to topple trees due to saturated soils. A secondary system will bring the threat of brief heavy rain and thunderstorms early Tuesday morning.
AIR QUALITY: Good
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for portions of San Benito County some locations that will experience flooding include,
mainly rural areas of Northern San Benito and Southeastern Santa Clara Counties. *Until 5:45pm Monday
*Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas.
* At 11:47am flooding is ongoing in the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen over the last 12 hours. Flooding is occurring along the Pacheco Creek near Dunneville.
***FLOOD WARNING*** …for a portion of Santa Clara Valley including US 101 south of Gilroy until 2:30pm Monday afternoon.
* Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is occurring.
* Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. It will take a few hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas.
* At 11:24 am emergency management reported flooding in the warned area. Flooding is already occurring. Flooding is occurring along the Uvas Creek above W Luchessa Ave impacting US 101 south of Gilroy
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for Salinas River near Speckles in effect now until further notice. *Minor flooding is forecast.
* At 19.0 feet, Lowland agricultural areas will have minor flooding. At 23.0 feet, A few homes near the Salinas River along the reach of the river gage will begin to flood. River Road near Spreckels
will have minor flooding. At 24.0 feet, The lowest areas of agricultural land along the lower portions of the Salinas River will have significant flooding. River Road will have moderate flooding. Spreckels
Boulevard will begin to flood.
* At 10:00 AM PST Monday the stage was 12.1 feet. Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage (23 ft) Tuesday morning and continue rising to 24.3 feet late Tuesday morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter. Flood stage is 23.0 feet. Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 23.8 feet on 12/25/1955.
***FLASH FLOOD WARNING***
…for Santa Cruz County. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Felton, Ben Lomond, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Aptos, Boulder Creek, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Brown Valley Road, Freedom, Amesti, Interlaken, Lexington Hills and Day Valley.
* Until 9:45am Monday.
* At 6:46am Emergency management reported heavy rain across Santa Cruz county. Flash flooding is already occurring.
*Life threatening flash flooding. Heavy rain producing flash flooding.
*Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for Santa Cruz county including, but not limited to, San Lorenzo River at Big Trees, Soquel Creek, Corralitos Creek, Salsipuedes Creek. Rapid rises on other creeks and rivers is also a concern along with urban flooding.
*Until 12:15pm this afternoon.
*Flooding caused by excessive rainfall.
* Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas.
*At 6:28am, Emergency management reported heavy rain in the warned area. Flooding is already occurring. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Some locations that will experience flooding include, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Felton, Ben Lomond, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Aptos, Boulder Creek, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Brown Valley Road, Freedom, Amesti, Interlaken, Day Valley and Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley.
***FLASH FLOOD WARNING***
…for the Dolan burn area in Southwestern Monterey County including, Lucia, Gorda and Esalen Institute.
*Excessive rainfall over the burn area will result in debris flow moving through the Dolan Fire burn area. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.
*At 534 AM PST, gauge reports indicated heavy rain falling over the Dolan Burn Area. Between 1 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 1.25 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
*Excessive rainfall over the burn area will result in debris flow moving through the Dolan Fire burn area. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.
*Life threatening flash flooding. Heavy rain producing flash flooding in and around the Dolan Burn Area.
***HIGH WIND WARNING***
… in effect from 8PM Sunday until 10AM Monday for all of Santa Cruz County and all of Santa Clara County
… and in effect from 8PM Sunday until 4PM Monday for all of Monterey County and all of San Benito County
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected in the valley locations. 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph above 1000 feet. Local gusts to around 80 mph along the coast and highest peaks.
* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
*Due to very saturated soils, even winds on the lower end of the speed range can cause downed trees. When trees fall, this can be a threat to lives, cause power outages, and add debris to waterways which can exacerbate flooding.
People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for portions of the Big Sur Coast including Big Sur Village and Andrew Molera State Park, until 11:15am
*Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
*A portion of central California, including the following county, Monterey.
*Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.
* At 8:14am, Gauge reports indicated heavy rain. Flooding is already occurring in the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Flooding is occurring along the Big Sur River near Big Sur.
* Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
*Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
***FLOOD WARNING***
…for Monterey County, some locations include Salinas, Seaside, Monterey, Marina, Arroyo Seco, Tassajara Hot Springs, Jamesburg, Lucia, Big Sur Village, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Gonzales, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Carmel Valley Village, Colman Canyon, Sycamore Flat, San Lucas, San Ardo and Esalen Institute.
*Until 11am Monday Morning
*Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is occurring.
*Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from current and earlier rainfall.
*At 8:35am, Emergency management reported heavy rain in the warned area. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Between 0.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen.
*Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.
***FLOOD WARNING***
… for the Carmel River from Monday morning until further notice.
The next in a series of strong storms will move into the area tonight into Monday. Excessive rainfall will lead to increasing flooding concerns through the day on Monday as the heaviest rain is expected to fall between the hours of 4 am and 4 pm Monday.
*Moderate flooding is forecast.
* IMPACTS...At 7.5 feet, Monitor Stage. Water levels are roughly 1 foot below primary breakout locations near Camp Steffani, Paso Hondo, and Dampierre Park.
At 8.5 feet, Low lying homes from Camp Steffani to below Robles del Rio will begin to flood. Old Odello Ranch near Carmel begins to flood. Homes along Paso Hondo and Dampierre Park subject to flooding.
At 10.0 feet, South side of Highway 1 bridge access becomes inundated and impassable. Many low lying homes threatened along the entire Carmel River. Low lying homes near Camp Steffani
experience substantial flooding and homes near Schulte Road in danger of flooding. Homes surrounding the Carmel Lagoon area are in danger of flooding.
At 11.0 feet, Hacienda Carmel residential development levee is threatened. Moderate flooding of golf courses and low lying homes along the entire Carmel River. Homes in the Carmel Lagoon area begin to experience moderate flooding.
At 12.0 feet, Widespread flood damage to low lying homes along the entire Carmel River. Levees protecting homes near Mission Fields are in danger of breaching. Homes near the Carmel Lagoon area begin to have substantial flooding.
- At 11:15 AM PST Sunday the stage was 6.1 feet. The stage is expected to lower overnight Sunday into Monday before rapidly rising on Monday.
- Forecast...The Carmel River at Robles Del Rio is forecast to rise above Monitor Stage of 7.5 ft at 10 am Monday before peaking at around 12.1 ft at 6 pm Monday. The river will fall below flood stage on Tuesday afternoon then fall below monitor stage Tuesday night.
- Flood stage is 8.5 feet.
***FLOOD WARNING***
… in effect until further notice for the Pajaro River below Chittenden
*Minor flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record.
*At 32.5 feet, The levees protecting Watsonville and Pajaro could breach or overtop. Moderate to major flooding in the Pajaro Valley will make travel very difficult.
- At 9:30 PM PST Sunday the stage was 16.5 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow evening and continue rising to 32.3 feet late tomorrow evening. Additional rises are possible thereafter.
- Flood stage is 32.0 feet.
- Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
32.2 feet on 03/11/1995.
***GALE WARNING***
… in effect from 9PM Sunday until 9AM Monday for the near coastal from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas
*South winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 50 kt and seas 11 to 15 ft 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.
**FLOOD ADVISORY**
…for Monterey County Salinas, Seaside, Monterey, Marina, Arroyo Seco, Tassajara
Hot Springs, Jamesburg, Lucia, Gorda, Big Sur Village, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Gonzales, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Carmel Valley Village, Colman Canyon, Sycamore Flat, San Lucas and San Ardo.
Now until 11am this morning.
*Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is occurring.
* A portion of central California, including the followingcounty, Monterey.
* Flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
* At 7:56am, Emergency management reported heavy rain in Monterey County. This is causing urban and small stream flooding. Between 0.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen.
*Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads
**FLOOD ADVISORY**
…for Santa Cruz County including areas as, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Felton, Ben Lomond, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Aptos, Boulder Creek, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Brown Valley Road, Freedom, Amesti, Interlaken, Lexington Hills and Day Valley.
* In effect until 8:15am Monday.
* Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
* At 218 AM PST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. This will cause urban and small stream flooding. Between 0.2 and 0.7 inches of rain have fallen. *Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 2 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding.
*FLOOD WATCH*
…for the entire Central Coast and KION viewing area, now through Tuesday afternoon.
* Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* 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. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are
possible.
*You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Monday: Moderate to heavy rain will continue to drench the coastal mountains into the afternoon with flooding likely in streams draining the mountains and in low areas in the valleys. Winds will taper off to some extent but may remain gusty at times. Rain will begin to taper off late in the day, but a lot of water will still be collecting in area rivers, so the flooding risk will continue even after the rain stops. Highs in the 50s to low 60s.
**WIND ADVISORY**
…for the entire KION viewing area in effect from 10pm Monday evening until 4pm Tuesday afternoon.
*Southwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. For higher elevations, south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*Including areas: Southern Salinas Valley, Arroyo Seco, and Lake San Antonio, Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, Mountains of San Benito and Interior Monterey County including Pinnacles National Park, Northern Salinas Valley, Hollister Valley, and Carmel Valley and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast.
*Santa Cruz Mountains-Santa Clara Valley, Eastern Santa Clara Hills,-East Bay Hills-Northern Monterey Bay.
* Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Tuesday: A secondary frontal system will bring a line of heavy showers and thunderstorms early in the morning with showers lingering into the afternoon, especially in the coastal mountains. Highs in the 50s. Gusty at times.
Extended: Dry conditions return Wednesday/Thursday before the next system approaches late in the week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 38ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 16th – 22nd calls for the likelihood of near normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- Forecast: Weak La Niña continues through winter, becomes neutral by Spring
-Area drought status: “Severe Drought” for most of the viewing area with “Extreme Drought” in southern San Benito and southeastern Monterey Counties. The southeastern third of San Benito County has been upgraded to “Exceptional Drought”
