Batten down the hatches

Dig out those rain boots and slickers – the first storm of the season is expected early this week.
Rain is forecast tonight, Monday, and the forecast calls for stormy conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday as the first storm of the fall hits Santa Cruz County.
The San Francisco Branch of the National Weather Service has put the Santa Cruz Mountains on flash flood watch on Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.
Some forecasts are predicting upwards of six inches of rainfall in the area this week.
NWS reports that a storm laden system that will bring heavy rain is approaching California from the west. The heavy rain on the Central Coast could produce flash flooding and debris flows, especially where fire burned trees and underbrush during the summer.
“Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat within and downstream of the Basin, Summit, Gloria, Lockheed and Pacheco Pass fire scars,” according to the NWS.
High speed winds from 25 miles-per-hour to 60 mph should be expected beginning tonight and lasting through Tuesday.
Residents are advised to pay attention to flash flood warnings and then take action if a warning is issued.
Road closures in Santa Cruz County:
www.sccroadclosure.org