Updated: Flash Flood Watch Area Includes Santa Cruz County

(PG&E crews working on restoring power to the Granite Creek area.)

UPDATE SUNDAY 10:30AM-

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch in effect for the entire San Francisco Bay area as well as the entire Monterey Bay area from Sunday evening until late Sunday night.

Officials say the heavy rain in many areas on Saturday resulted in minor flooding, but has saturated soil throughout the Bay.

Additional moderate to heavy rain is forecast for Sunday night, which could cause flash flooding.

The NWS warns that areas of steep terrain, including the Santa Cruz Mountains and areas along the Big Sur coast, will be prone to rock slides and debris flows.

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The Scotts Valley Police Department says PG&E crews expect to be working at the intersection of Granite Creek and Navarra Dr until 10 p.m. Sunday night.

Traffic will be diverted down Sherman Dr and Cross until further notice.

(Update 4:30PM - PG&E has completed its work and the roadway is clear in both directions.)

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(original story)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - Parts of Santa Cruz County Sunday morning experienced flooding brought on by several inches of rain in the area during the past 24 hours.

Santa Cruz County Communication Manager Jason Hoppin said in a statement heavy rains caused three major waterways to surpass flood stages.

At one point Saturday evening, downtown Soquel received more than 1.5 inches of rain in one hour, according to the County.

The San Lorenzo River, with a flood level of 18 feet, peaked at 18.12 feet, Soquel Creek, with a flood level of 14.5 feet, peaked at 16.31 feet, and Corralitos Creek, with a flood level of 11.5 feet, peaked at 12.87 feet Sunday morning, Hoppin said.

River levels have started to subside, and the San Lorenzo River, Soquel Creek and Corralitos Creek are all back below flood levels, according to county officials.

The flooding caused evacuations for residents living west of Porter Street along Soquel Creek, in Felton Grove and at Paradise Park along the San Lorenzo River.

There were several structures impacted by the flooding, and several county roads were closed due to mudslides, floods or downed trees.

American Red Cross evacuation centers have been established at Jade Street Park in Capitola and at the Zayante Fire Station.

-Bay City News Service, image via Scotts Valley PD