This morning it was decent out. After a long morning walk through Downtown, and along the deserted winter Boardwalk, our outing became rained out while checking out the ducks in Neary Lagoon. But is was barely more than a heavy drizzle, and lasted only about ten minutes. Another wave passed at noon. Rain, heavy at times, will fill in today and tonight. Santa Cruz, lucky to be in a shadow, might get only an inch. The mountains around us could see up to six in the most conducive locations. And it will continue to be quite windy. Twenty, thirty miles per hour surface winds, with gust possibly up to 65 mph in higher elevations. But it is important to note that this not just a high elevation wind event. I saw yard umbrellas flying down the street the other day. Lock your stuff down, or bring it in. It is going to be one hell of a storm over the next few days.
With just a little bit of luck, this thing will clear out before the end of the day on Friday. Not like, clear out, and give us bright sunshine, but I mean the rain will stop. Or at least die done to a light drizzle. Chances look decent for that. But this thing is going to march right back in during the day Saturday and deliver us its strongest punch. Get ready for some water folks. By this time, the ground will be well saturated, the rivers will be flowing, and there will be no where for the water to go. It will spill over, and begin to flood. I guess my 97% completed French drain will get a real test. Wish she were 100% completed. Anyway, rain comes in fill back in during the day on Saturday. Best chance for no rain is early in the morning. As the final wave fills in on Saturday, wind and rain will persist through Sunday. Another cool and rainy day.
As all of this is happening a large raw destructive swell will arrive on the central coast. This thing will be short and mid period, so it will have a different look than a nice clean long period swell. Waves and the ocean will continue to be choppy and stormy. Yesterday, wave spray was coming across West Cliff Drive in several places. This will be happening along with high tides over the next few days. About 10:15 AM on Friday. A little later each day. Anyway, stay away from the cliffs and keep an eye on the ocean. Don't expect much in the form of quality surf with south winds staying up above 15 knots all weekend. And while talking about water, a reminder of flooding. Urban flooding. Roads will have water on them. Standing puddles. Hydroplane hazards. Slow down and drive carefully. Stay away from stream and river banks. Turn off the sprinkler system. Dress for rain. Stay warm. Stay dry. Stay inside. Whatever, just know it will be wet and stormy.
Monday things clear out with a chance of sun returning. Maybe mid 60s by Tuesday. Maybe more rain behind that, but not looking like this weekend.
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