Severe Weather Alert, Town Hall now VIRTUAL, Disaster Declaration for February Storm

March 9th, 2023

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

County Emergency Operations Center Re-opens

As Next Wave of Atmospheric River Storms is Expected to Make Landfall in Santa Cruz County Thursday, March 9th

The County's Emergency Operations Center opened on Wednesday to prepare for another round of atmospheric river storms expected to arrive on the Central Coast Thursday and Friday. In order to keep the public informed about impacts and resources, including road conditions, power outages and preparedness tips, the County launched the new March Storm Information webpage.

Communities in low-lying areas should be ready to evacuate quickly, if necessary, as flash flooding is possible.

UPDATE: March 9, 2023 Town Hall is now Virtual

Photo: Attendees in Zoom meeting.

Due to the severe weather alert, the March 9th Town Hall is 100% virtual, on Zoom.

It will no longer be hybrid, with the in-person attendance at De Laveaga Elementary School.

This way everyone can stay off the roads and participate safely from their homes.

Thursday, March 9th - Virtual Town Hall on Zoom. From 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96708318897

You can always visit the First District Webpage for information on Town Halls, past newsletters, and upcoming events.

Disaster Declaration for February Storm

Photo: Santa Cruz County Line sign in snowstorm.

During a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, March 8, the Board unanimously voted to ratify a disaster declaration for a severe storm that began February 24, causing significant impacts to County-maintained roads and private roads. The Summit area was especially hard hit as rain, snow and wind contributed to downed trees, road closures and power outages. The disaster declaration will allow the County to seek federal and state relief for damages to public infrastructure, which is estimated at $500,000 but will grow as documentation increases. The estimate does not include damage to private property and private roads or utility infrastructure.