Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties are included in an updated flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 8:52 a.m. The warning is in effect until 9:15 a.m.
“At 8:52 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” says the NWS San Francisco CA. “Areas in and around Corralitos Creek in Santa Cruz County are also likely to experience river and creek flooding through the morning hours.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Corralitos, Capitola, Live Oak, Aptos, Eureka Canyon Road, Rio Del Mar, Brown Valley Road, Amesti, Freedom, Uvas Canyon Park, Soquel, Interlaken, Opal Cliffs, Twin Lakes, Day Valley, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley and Aptos Hills-Larkin.
“Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas,” the NWS said. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.”
How to use a sandbag and where to get sandbags in your area:
Follow these instructions on how to use sandbags and other flood preparation tips to protect your home, and click on the links below to get sandbags in your county:
Where to get sandbags in San Mateo County
Where to get sandbags in Alameda County
Where to get sandbags in Santa Clara County
Emergency alerts in the San Francisco Bay Area
All enabled mobile phones in the area will receive emergency alerts for “considerable or catastrophic” hazards. To monitor other local risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. Follow these instructions to enable your phone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). To receive local alerts in the Bay Area, visit each county’s website:
Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts
- Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
- Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
- Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the NWS for your safety
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the NWS offers essential flood safety guidelines:
Seek higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
Refrain from walking in floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
- Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
- When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.