FloodZoneMap.org

Flood — Santa Cruz, CA

Jan 28, 2021

A plume of moisture from the tropical Pacific brought an Atmospheric River to the Bay Area January 26th-29th. This system generated heavy rain rates causing flooding and debris flows over area burn scars as well as 15 to 20 inches of rain in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Mudflows near the River Fire burn scar in Monterey County caused damage to homes, covered roadways, and trapped animals at local ranches. Debris flows near the Dolan Fire burn scar caused an entire section of Highway 1 near Rat Cre

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 932365). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Santa Cruz, CA

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.

View Santa Cruz County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Storm Surge/Tide2 deaths$1.0M damage

Santa Cruz, CA · Oct 28, 1999

15 foot swell in association with a relatively high tide produced waves as high as 40 feet which broke trough the seawall in Capitola and flooded low lying streets and businesses. A number of boats were ripped from their moorings and washed ashore or sunk.

Read the full account →
Flood1 death

Santa Cruz, CA · Nov 30, 2012

A series of significant winter storms impacted the district during late November and early December 2012. The first storm arrived November 28 and then was followed by three more winter storms.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$3.0M damage

Santa Cruz, CA · Oct 13, 2009

A strong low pressure system made its way through Northern and Central California accompanied by deep tropical moisture and very strong winds. Heavy rain combined with the wind to cause numerous trees, tree limbs and pole/telephone powers to fall.

Read the full account →
Flood$2.5M damage

Santa Cruz, CA · Dec 31, 2005

Widespread flooding occurred across the county, with at least 13 road closures reported due to mudslides as well a fallen trees and utility poles. In Soquel, downed trees and flooding from Soquel Creek closed many roads.

Read the full account →