Santa Cruz County officials issued evacuation warnings Monday evening as atmospheric river rain continues to drench the region.
Residents have been advised of possible flooding and mudslides and have now received evacuation warnings in the following areas of the San Lorenzo Valley and CZU burn scar:
- BOU-E005
- BOU-E006-B
- BOU-E007-B
- BOU-E008-B
- BOU-E010
- BOU-E011-B
- BOU-E012-B
- BOU-E012-C
- BOU-E020
- BOU-E030
- BOU-E031-A
- BOU-E036A
- BOU-E041-A
- BOU-E042-A
- BEN-E002-C
- BEN-E003-B
- CRZ-E001-C
- CRZ-E008-B
- CRZ-E010-C
- CRZ-E017-C
- FEL-E003-B
"Due to the rising level of the San Lorenzo River, Paradise Park CRZ-E081 and Felton
Grove FEL-E008 are also under evacuation warning," officials said.
This as the San Lorenzo River went from 2 feet, to 16 feet deep Monday.
"This is what we do in Paradise Park, check on the neighbors and see if anyone needs some help, lifting up anything out of the flood zone area," said Jackie Rundell, who has lived there for decades.
She said the flooding four years ago was some of the worst. The low-lying areas are prone to it -- and they expect it overnight.
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"A lot of these houses right here, these bottom areas are like considered mudrooms if you will," she said. "If you have something valuable, you don’t put it on your first floor."
The rain also lead to treacherous driving conditions along Highway 17 and Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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The Calfire CZU unit tweeted a picture of Ice Cream Grade, blocked by a boulder that tumbled down the hillside.
And in Boulder Creek, some who live in evacuation warning zones said after leaving twice before due to the threat of debris flows from the 2020 CZU fire burn scar area, they’ll stay around.
"We’re just going to ride it out," said Colter Ball of Boulder Creek. "We’ve been evacuated [before] and we don’t want to get hotels again after the evacuations in the fire and all that."
Officials said that those under an evacuation warning, should be ready to go if needed.
Residents are advised to follow the tips below when evacuating:
• Follow instructions from local officials, including for travel routes.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your emergency go-bag or disaster supply kit.
• Lock your home.
• Shut off water, gas and electricity if instructed to do so.
• Let others know when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for pets and livestock, if necessary
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
