Debris Flow Possible In Santa Cruz Mountains; Heavy Rain In Forecast

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Debris flows are possible in the CZU fire burn scar area with heavy rain forecast in the days ahead, officials warned.

Between 3 and 6 inches of rain may fall in the Santa Cruz Mountains as an atmospheric river is expected to affect the Bay Area and Central Coast Sunday into Monday, according to the National Weather Service Bay Area.

Atmospheric rivers are "relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere — like rivers in the sky," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Santa Cruz County said that its emergency operations center was monitoring the storm, which is expected to bring dangerous surf, rain, road effects, downed trees and power lines, and power outages.

Rainfall could meet the thresholds for debris flow in the area of the fires that scorched 85,500 acres and destroyed nearly 1,500 buildings just over a year ago. Debris flow is a risk in sloped areas following a large wildfire and can cause more injuries than the wildfire itself, according to the county.

Residents in affected areas are asked to know their evacuation zones and evacuation routes.

See also: Santa Cruz County Evacuation Zones: How To Check Yours

Check for details on road closures and power outages online.