After two weeks in which the Lovers Lane area north of Hollister has been ravaged by flooding from Pacheco Creek, the National Weather Service on Monday morning issued a flood warning for central San Benito County, as gauges indicated that the San Benito River rose above flood stage at a location forecasters said was roughly halfway between Pinnacles National Park and Paicines. The flow rate on the river was expected to recede throughout the day.
“Flooding will remain over mainly rural areas of central San Benito County” the weather service said at 7:15 a.m. Friday in issuing the warning, which was in effect until 10:15 a.m. “Flooding is not occurring downstream near Tres Pinos nor is it occurring in Hollister from the San Benito River. Flooding from Pacheco Creek is ongoing, however.”
A warning for the flooding near Lovers Lane has been in effect for several days and is still active.
The NWS offered continued reminders about flood precautions, including “turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.”
A flash flood watch remains in effect the the entire Bay Area and central coast through Monday evening, as scattered to numerous showers were possible and thunderstorms were expected to impact the region through the evening. “Any additional rainfall, especially brief, heavy downpours in stronger showers or thunderstorms, will likely result in flash flooding of area streams and rivers as well as localized urban areas,” the weather service reported. “Mud/rock slides and downed trees should also be expected, especially during intense bursts of rainfall that occur during any thunderstorms.”
A small mudslide was reported Sunday evening on Union Road near the San Justo Reservoir.
The flash flood watch for Monday included the mountains of San Benito County, including those at Pinnacles National Park, as well as the Hollister valley.
Periods of heavy rain on already saturated soils and full reservoirs will impact the region through Monday evening, the weather service said, noting that primary impacts would be localized ponding of heavy rain on already-saturated roadways with poor drainage. Rapid rises on streams and creeks — with some exceeding bankfull —could cause flash flooding described as a “very dangerous situation.”
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