PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — The Central Coast of California is currently experiencing the impact of a powerful atmospheric river, bringing strong winds, downed powerlines, blocked roads, and evacuation warnings and orders for several areas of Monterey County. This severe weather event has also led to the cancellation of the final day of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas of the Carmel River, with additional evacuation warnings issued for the Bolsa Knolls area. Residents in these areas are advised to have a plan in place in case they need to leave their homes.
In addition to the human impact, large animal owners are being urged to evacuate their animals as soon as possible. For animal sheltering services, individuals are encouraged to call the SPCA at 831-373-2631 or the after-hours line at 831-646-5534.
The severe weather has also caused widespread power outages, affecting tens of thousands of PG&E customers across the Central Coast. According to PG&E, over 14,100 customers were without power in Santa Cruz County, while more than 20,000 were in the dark in Monterey County. The most impacted areas include Watsonville, Pajaro Dunes, and the Santa Cruz Mountain communities in Santa Cruz County, as well as Marina, Pebble Beach, and areas south of Pebble Beach along the coast in Monterey County.
Furthermore, the storm has led to road closures in both Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, with various highways, roads, and lanes being affected by fallen trees, mudslides, and flooding.
As the severe weather continues to impact the Central Coast, residents are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and to take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their animals.