Flash Flood Watch Issued For Santa Cruz Mountains On Sunday

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A flash flood watch was issued for Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening for much of the Bay Area, including along the Peninsula coast and Santa Cruz mountain region.

The area where the watch was issued locally stretches from Gilroy up to San Francisco along the San Mateo County coastline, and includes the region where the CZU Lightning Complex fires burned in 2020.

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.

Steady rain on Sunday morning will become heavy later in the day, according to the National Weather Service. The heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding and debris flows, along with the threat of urban and small stream flooding throughout the region, according to forecasts.

Rainfall could meet the thresholds for debris flow in the area of the CZU Lightning Complex fires fires that scorched 85,500 acres, destroyed nearly 1,500 buildings and killed one person 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 were advised to prepare to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.

Check for details on road closures and power outages online.