Weather Service Issues Flash Flood Watch for Santa Cruz Mountains

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A flash flood watch means major flooding could occur due to a rapid surge of water in low-lying areas, according to forecaster Diana Henderson.

"Creeks and rivers have the potential for rapid rise, and there's a potential for land movement," Henderson said. "It's the rapid rainfall rate that will fall in a short period of time. That's what we're worried about."

From midnight Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon, the first in a series of late-season storms will move through the area bringing the potential for rainfall rates of three-fourths of an inch to possibly one inch per hour at times, according to the advisory.

The main areas of concern are the coastal sections and, in particular, the Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Gatos Parks and Public Works officials announced Monday evening that last weekend's storm raised water levels at .

Also, because the soil is saturated from the previous storms, localized flooding from runoff and increased risk for land movement are a concern, the advisory said.

Local streams and creeks across the watch area will likely see rapid rises with the heaviest rainfall rates, the advisory warned.

The storm's main front is forecast to be through the area by early afternoon Wednesday with showers behind the front.

Another system will move through town Thursday with moderate to heavy rains that could once again cause flooding, according to the NWS.

Henderson said rain is predicted for the rest of the week with rain and showers on Thursday and Friday. A watch is a step below a warning, Henderson explained. "The warning means it's happening, 'get the hell out of the way.' "

Henderson urged residents to follow what town emergency officials are saying to do to take precautions. Town Manager Greg Larson on Monday evening encouraged residents to pick up sandbags at the town's Parks and Public Works Department on Miles Avenue.