Update: Santa Cruz Co. lifts evacuation warnings for Capitola, Seacliff, Pajaro Dunes beach areas
Santa Cruz County officials lifted evacuation warnings for several communities Thursday afternoon after costal areas were pounded by high surf and flooding earlier in the day.
Around 3:15 p.m., county officials said on social media that all orders have been lifted, but urged residents to prepare for additional rain on Friday and possible high surf on Saturday.
Evacuation warnings for all impacted areas have been lifted:
— Santa Cruz County (@sccounty) December 28, 2023
CTL-E048
CRZ-E070
CTL-E027A
CTL-E027B
Know your zone. https://t.co/jLywHPlx2k.
More rain is coming Friday and another coastal wave event is expected early Saturday morning. Please prepare now!
An evacuation warning was issued just before 8 a.m. for coastal areas near Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, zone CTL-E048 on the Genasys Protect map.
Later Thursday morning, areas around Pajaro Dunes, zone CRZ-E070, were placed under an evacuation warning. County officials said large breaking waves and high tides were causing safety threats along the coast.
The evacuation warnings extended to Capitola just before noon. Capitola Police said the lower Esplanade area was under an evacuation warning, corresponding to zones CTL-E027A and CTL-E027B
ALSO READ: Areas near Stinson Beach in Marin County under evacuation orders because of high surf
Residents in the area were urged to be prepared to leave should an evacuation order be issued.
KPIX First Alert Weather: Current conditions, alerts, maps for your area
An earlier alert from the county indicated that flooding was underway along the Rio Del Mar Esplanade in Aptos.
Rio Del Mar Esplanade is currently flooded. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/seZbMIAJcF
— Santa Cruz County (@sccounty) December 28, 2023
In the city of Santa Cruz Thursday morning, flooding closed East Cliff Drive at Schwan Lake, Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake. County officials urged people to avoid the coast.
The warnings came as the National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for Bay Area coastal areas, describing possible life-threatening conditions along the shore.
The ocean is NOT your friend today!
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 28, 2023
High Surf Warning in effect until 3 AM Friday for very dangerous waves up to 28-33 feet, 40 feet possible in favored locations. Stay away from rocks, jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Never turn your back to the ocean! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/JsR7OmDEkx
The High Surf Warning was in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday. A Coastal Flood Advisory was also in effect until 3 a.m. Friday, the weather service said.