Jan 6, 2019
A vigorous cold front swept through California on January 5th bringing widespread rainfall and gusty winds. Unstable air behind the frontal passage and sufficient low level shear allowed shallow thunderstorms to develop over the coastal waters, some of which contained rotating cells. Two waterspouts developed and made landfall as tornadoes on the 6th. Additionally, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused roadway flooding, minor debris flows, and numerous downed trees across the region. This storm
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 796064). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Santa Cruz County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.