Santa Cruz County is preparing for another round of intense weather as a powerful storm system is forecasted to bring heavy rains and strong gusts of wind this weekend. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm may result in up to 4.5 inches of rain in lower elevations and possibly more than 7 inches in the Santa Cruz Mountains from Saturday afternoon until Monday afternoon.

Meteorologist Roger Gass from NWS has cautioned that this upcoming storm could be even more intense than the one earlier this week. Wind gusts at lower elevations are expected to range from 30 mph to 40 mph, while the Santa Cruz Mountains may experience gusts as high as 74 mph.

Due to the potential for increased rainfall, there is a higher likelihood of major waterway flooding. However, at this stage, the flooding risk is not yet a major concern. NWS estimates that the San Lorenzo and Pajaro Rivers have a 40% and 21% chance, respectively, of reaching their flood stages, which are 16.5 feet and 24.1 feet.

To ensure public safety, the NWS has issued a high wind warning, which will be in effect from early Sunday morning until Sunday night, and a flood watch, which will be in effect from Saturday afternoon until late Monday morning. These warnings come as county officials are closely monitoring several waterways, including the San Lorenzo and Pajaro Rivers, as well as Soquel Creek, Aptos Creek, Corralitos Creek, and Salsipuedes Creek.

The county is already dealing with saturated soil from previous rainfall, and when combined with high winds and additional rain, the risk of landslides, downed trees, and power outages increases. County residents living in flood-prone areas have been advised to obtain sandbags from pickup locations.

While the long-term forecast indicates only sporadic rainfall for the remainder of February and a mostly dry March, the current El Niño weather pattern suggests that the Central Coast and Bay Area might experience slightly above average precipitation this year. Gass commented that the El Niño pattern appears to be unfolding as expected, aligning with historical trends of wetter conditions in the Bay Area during El Niño years.

As residents brace themselves for another drenching weekend, local authorities will be monitoring the situation and working to mitigate potential risks. It is essential for individuals to stay alert, stay updated on weather warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in the face of this powerful storm system.