Cruz

[Greg]

Oopsy. Similar stories come out about Highway 99 near Sacramento.

[King Bob]

I also saw on the news that a tree fell on a 72 year old man and killed him near the lighthouse

[Drunk Monk]

I'm right next to the San Lorenzo river. I crossed that bridge to get to Vets Hall on NYE. It's as high as I've ever seen it and raging. It's still below breaching the levee walls, and out bungalow is on even higher ground, but it's still impressive. 

Which lighthouse?

---

nevermind. i can search the web too...

Fallen tree kills person at Lighthouse Field State Beach





By [color=var(--primary)]SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL |
December 31, 2022 at 5:18 p.m.
SANTA CRUZ — A 72-year-old Santa Cruz resident died Saturday under a fallen tree at Lighthouse Field State Beach, according to a California State Parks press release.
First responders arrived about 1:30 p.m. to a 911 call advising of person under a tree at Lighthouse Field State Beach. Santa Cruz police, Santa Cruz fire and AMR responded and extricated the person.
The person, whose name and gender were not released, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other details were available Saturday.[/color]

This is the lighthouse on north side, not the one near us. How tragic.

[Drunk Monk]

Note that the author Aric is an iaido classmate 

Wet storm drenches Santa Cruz County
After a ‘dry’ day, more rain headed for region

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[img=394x0]https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/STC-L-ASNYRAIN-0101-01_102783648.jpg?w=486[/img]
The rain swollen San Lorenzo River flows toward the river mouth in Santa Cruz on Saturday (Shmuel Thaler/Santa Cruz Sentinel
By ARIC SLEEPER | asleeper@santacruzsentinel.com | 
December 31, 2022 at 3:35 p.m.
SANTA CRUZ — With mudslides closing a section of Highway 9, swelling of the San Lorenzo River, thousands of PG&E customers without power and another atmospheric river making its way to the Pacific Coast next week, the new year is already proving to be an interesting one.
“First of all, as for the big picture, we are seeing widespread flooding impacts all across the Bay Area and into Santa Cruz,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Bingaman. “There’s creek and stream flooding. There are roadways flooding, large trees coming down in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is definitely a high impact event.”
According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rain in the current system hit Santa Cruz on Saturday with flood watches and warnings across the county. Bingaman said to expect minor flooding in roadways as well as creeks and streams, and warned there’s flooding around Corralitos Creek near Freedom, and the San Lorenzo River at Big Trees, northeast of Roaring Camp.
A full closure of Highway 9 is in effect north of Boulder Creek between Bear Creek Road and Riverdale Boulevard due to a slide that has brought dirt and debris across both lanes, according to a statement from Caltrans. The agency offered no time estimate for the road’s reopening.
“Contracted crews are expected to mobilize on New Year’s morning to begin work to remove the slide.” wrote Kevin Drabinski, a Caltrans spokesperson. “A projected reopening will be made after this work progresses and after assessments from Caltrans Geotech teams.”
In Felton Grove and Paradise Park, a flood warning issued on Saturday morning soon turned into an evacuation order around noon. A flood advisory was also issued in Watsonville near Salsipuedes, but the Pajaro River was not under risk of flooding, according to county officials. A sinkhole formed on Glen Haven Road.
The flood advisories were issued in advance of possible evacuations. Residents should prepare to leave should an evacuation alert be issued, according to the release from the county.
The zones subject to flood advisory on Saturday included: FEL-E008, CRZ-E081, PAJ-E026, PAJ-E027 and PAJ-E028, according to the county.
To look up an evacuation zone, visit community.zonehaven.com.
Bingaman mentioned that although there will be a break in the rain on New Year’s Day, the deluge is far from over.
“The only break we’re going to see is Sunday,” said Bingaman. “Beyond that, starting on January 2, we’re going to start to see light rain return to the region continuing into January 3, and we have another moderate to strong atmospheric river aimed toward our area again on January 4 and 5.”
That means that one day without rain is not going to be enough to let soils dry out, according to Bingaman.
“We will have super saturated soils and another atmospheric river forecast during the first week of January. So, with all the impacts we’re seeing today, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see that again if not worse January 4 and 5.”
An atmospheric river is essentially a focused plume of moisture that comes from across the Pacific Ocean and heads to the West Coast. Typically, it’s tapped into subtropical or tropical moisture as well which brings extra heavier rain. The atmospheric river that hit over the weekend was reinforced by migrating winter storms.
“It just happens that we have a situation where these winter storms are dropping into California, and as those plumes of moisture have been forming over the ocean, they are tapping into that moisture, and pull that moisture into that winter storm so when the cold front moves through, it’s not just bringing in the precipitation it had when it was moving down from the northwest, it’s also grabbing subtropical moisture with it. So it kind of packs an extra punch to this storm.”
Bingaman said that the forecast models are showing that another plume of moisture, moving in an almost a straight line from the far western Pacific, near Japan, is coming straight across the Pacific Ocean toward the west coast.
“Just imagine a large firehose aimed across the Pacific Ocean toward California,” she said.
County officials suggest a number of tips to keep in mind during these conditions such as being aware of drainage channels and other areas known to flood suddenly. Officials urge residents to stay away from downed power lines and designated disaster areas, and when encountering a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route as roads underearth may be damaged and impassable. They urge drivers not to drive through floodwaters or around barricades. Only a few inches of water can sweep your vehicle off the road, officials point out. The county reminds people that standing floodwater can disguise hazards below the surface, such as deep holes and dangerous debris, and to steer clear of murky puddles.
City of Santa Cruz spokesperson Erika Smart said the city is expecting the San Lorenzo to level off as the rain eases, but are preparing for heavier rains next week. Smart mentioned that Santa Cruz police and fire departments have worked with unhoused individuals in areas such as Sycamore Grove in Pogonip to offer them shelter from the elements.
For life threatening storm emergencies, Smart urges residents to call 911. For issues with street flooding, Santa Cruz residents can call [url=tel:831-420-5160]831-420-5160 or 831-471-1131 outside of business hours.
As for the atmospheric river’s effect on the drought, Bingaman said that one weather event is not enough to quench the years-long drought conditions in California.
“Some people may remember last year when we had an atmospheric river in October and then again in December,” said Bingaman. “We were well above normal for how much rain we normally get for the wet season. However, January February March we’re basically bone dry. That’s why it’s complicated to say how this will impact the drought.”
Bingaman said that it’s definitely increasing our water supply and is a step in the right direction, but any impacts to the drought will have to be assessed at the end of February.
The Central Coast wasn’t the only section of the state battling the elements.
In the Sierra Nevada, as much as 2 feet of snow could accumulate into early Sunday. The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned about hazardous driving conditions and posted photos on Twitter showing traffic on snow-covered mountain passes, where vehicles were required to have chains or four-wheel drive.
About 3 p.m. Saturday, Caltrans closed Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada State line due spinouts.
The California Highway Patrol said a section of Highway 101 — one of the state’s main traffic arteries — was closed indefinitely south of San Francisco because of flooding. Videos on Twitter showed mud-colored water streaming along San Francisco streets, and a staircase in Oakland turned into a veritable waterfall by heavy rains.

[Drunk Monk]

The atmospheric bomb is coming through in waves.

[Greg]

Look it's either Atmospheric River or Bomb Cyclone. Pick one and stick with it.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

River Bomb

[Greg]

I've never liked any of you.

[Drunk Monk]

The ricyc verclone just took out 'tola wharf too. 

[Greg]

Yikes. This Avatar: Way of Water is getting out of hand.

[thatguy]

Be water...

--tg

[Drunk Monk]

The rain has stopped...for now...

[King Bob]

On the news last night, they showed the waves at Pleasure Point, and it looked like the road had buckled, but they didn't say anything about it.

[thatguy]

I've seen a few photos of the Walton lighthouse almost covered by waves...


--tg

[Drunk Monk]

Major flooding in Santa Cruz Mountains as atmospheric river storm pounds Bay Area
San Lorenzo River hits second-highest level in 85 years, as Bay Area is soaked with another storm


[img=730x0]https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SJM-L-MONSTORM-0110-2.jpg?w=510[/img]


Floodwaters covered the children’s playground at Covered Bridge Park in Felton at 7:45 a.m. Jan. 9, 2023, after heavy rains swelled the San Lorenzo River to major flood stage before dawn. The water was just inches from the bottom of the historic bridge and carrying massive logs dislodged from the river banks. (John Woolfolk/ Bay Area News Group)
By PAUL ROGERS, JOHN WOOLFOLK, ETHAN BARON and JULIA SULEK | jsulek@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: January 9, 2023 at 10:19 a.m. | UPDATED: January 9, 2023 at 1:40 p.m.
The latest atmospheric river storm in an onslaught of soaking weather that has drenched Northern California for the past 10 days hit hard again Monday, causing major flooding near Felton in the Santa Cruz Mountains, submerging Highway 101 near Gilroy and causing evacuations in Watsonville.
The San Lorenzo River at Big Trees, near Henry Cowell State Park, rose to 24.51 feet by 7:30 a.m. — 8 feet over its flood stage and the second-highest level ever recorded since 1937 when modern records began.
Only during legendary floods in January 1982, when the river hit 28.8 feet and 10 people were killed in a mudslide at Love Creek near Ben Lomond, has the river run higher. More rain was forecast Tuesday and this weekend.
“In this drought era, a lot of folks in California may have forgotten just how significant the storms can get at times — how much water can fall from the sky over a relatively short period of time,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA.
With water just inches from the bottom of two bridges, including the historic Covered Bridge, Santa Cruz County officials ordered in the Felton Grove neighborhood near the Covered Bridge and the Paradise Park area down river near Santa Cruz evacuated.
Sonia Rojas, who works at the Wild Roots natural foods store along the river bank, watched massive logs sail downstream from the Graham Hill Road bridge over the river near the store before it opened.
“I’ve been working here for seven years and never seen it like that,” said Rojas, 44.
Scotts Valley Water District General Manager David McNair stood alongside Rojas, unable to get to work after flooding closed the Mount Hermon Road intersection on the road between Felton and Scotts Valley.
“There’s literally no way out of the valley right now,” McNair said. “We got so much rain last night it was astonishing.”

SEVERE FLOODING: Felton Grove neighborhood is underwater. Here it’s as high as the stop sign. #CAwxpic.twitter.com/R9jXfTKACz
— Brooks Jarosz (@BrooksKTVU) January 9, 2023

McNair said the heavy rains after years of severe drought are a relief for beleaguered water supplies, but come with their own set of troubles.
“I’m thrilled we’re getting rain,” he said, “but not all at once.”
For the 24 hours ending at 10 a.m. Monday, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond, the watershed for the San Lorenzo River, received 4 inches of rain. Over the past week, the area has received 11 inches.
Smaller, but significant rainfall amounts also fell over the past 24 hours, with San Francisco receiving 1.44 inches, Oakland 1.8 inches and downtown San Jose .95 inches. The higher elevations took the brunt of the storm, with Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County receiving 2 inches, Mount Tamalpais in Marin County getting 3.01 inches, and Mining Ridge in Big Sur receiving a staggering 10.6 inches.

The San Lorenzo River at Third and Riverside in Santa Cruz. Tons of debris. Likely going higher. pic.twitter.com/Xyj0itNjEi
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) January 9, 2023

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for all of Santa Cruz County through 3 p.m. Flooding also was reported in Watsonville, where evacuation orders were in place along the Pajaro River.
Across the Bay Area, flood risk was high Monday as the powerful storm dumped rain overnight on hillsides already saturated from repeated storms.
Nervous water managers, public safety officials and residents watched rivers rise around the Bay Area.
The Guadalupe River in San Jose was expected to reach its flood stage by mid-day but not have major flooding. Similarly, the Russian River at Guerneville was forecast to hit 33 feet by early Tuesday morning, 1 foot above flood stage, but far short of the all-time record 49 feet.
On the edge of downtown San Jose, the Guadalupe River spilled into an overflow channel designed to prevent the area from the flooding.
“The whole system is working good right now,” said Steve Holmes, executive director of the South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition who stood on St John Street watching the flow at 9:30 am Monday.
Watching the brimming Guadalupe River near the historic Henry’s Hi-Life bar on the edge of downtown San Jose, Mike Wright, 69, recalled the devastating flooding in 1995. At the time, he was drinking beer at another bar nearby at Julian and Montgomery, Greg’s Ballroom.
“The water came up to the threshold,” he said. “So what do you do? You order another pitcher.”
But with the water project working as designed Monday, he said, “we’re happy. We don’t ever want to see it flood again.”
The Sierra was expected to get at least 3 feet of new snow by Tuesday. Flood concerns were rising in the Sacramento Valley. And near Santa Barbara, evacuation warnings were issued.
Sunday night, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for California at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide emergency resources.
Near Gilroy, Uvas Creek sent flood waters knee deep across the four lanes of Highway 101, stranding several cars and blocking traffic by noon.
Caltrans planned to close the major thoroughfare, but first, maintenance supervisor Sophat Rem called out for help from motorists he had already pushed to the other side.
“It’s my third car. I’m getting tired,” Rem called out. “Someone help push!”
[img=415x0]https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SJM-L-MONSTORM-0110-62.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1[/img]

Flooding on southbound Highway 101 just before the Hollister exit threatened to strand commuters near Hollister, Calif., on Monday, January 9, 2023. (Julia Prodis Sulek/Bay Area News Group)

Along the coast, businesses owners were still cleaning up in Capitola Village after record waves smashed a 40-foot hole in Capitola Wharf on Friday and flooded waterfront restaurants.
Near the town of Soquel,  Ashley and Derek Harper were evacuating their creekside home and the houses of their neighbors on Wharf Road, with their baby Lydia, for the second time since New Year’s Eve when the town’s central area was left underwater two storms ago.
By 9 a.m. Monday, the Harpers’ ground-floor studio, workshop and garage were two feet deep with muddy water from Soquel Creek. A sheriff’s deputy had come knocking around 5 a.m., telling them to leave.
“About 45 minutes later the water was at the front step,” said Derek Harper, 45, a solar services technician. “We had bags packed already.”
[img=415x0]https://i0.wp.com/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SCS-L-WATSONVILLE-1210-200.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1[/img]

Homes along College Road in Watsonville were flooded by morning as an atmospheric river pounded the Bay Area on January 9, 2023 . (Shmuel Thaler/Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The morning flooding also created havoc for the San Lorenzo Valley’s many Silicon Valley commuters, including Summer Mangrum, 40, who wasn’t able to get to Highway 17 due to the road flooding in Felton.
“This is crazy,” Mangrum said. She had a restless night hearing electric power transformers blow early in the morning, cutting off power to her Ben Lomond neighborhood. “At least I got my coffee!”
In downtown Felton, floodwater closed the main intersection at Mount Hermon and Graham Hill roads, trapping a motorist from Ben Lomond who had to have rescue crews push her car out of the water to safety.
“I saw other cars making it through there,” explained motorist Julie Armstrong, 76, from Ben Lomond, conceding that in retrospect, “I shouldn’t have done that!”
Slides closed portions of Highway 9 and snarled traffic on Highway 17. And Caltrans closed Highway 1 in Big Sur. Forecasters said more rain is expected Tuesday, with a drying-out period Wednesday, and another storm forecast for the weekend.
[i]This is a developing story.[/i]

We're still ok. Our backyard neighbor broke out his water pump (his place has had drainage issues).