CHP keeping an eye on road conditions as storm nears its biggest day of impact

The California Highway Patrol is urging commuters to stay alert as the largest rainfall of the week is expected to hit the Central Coast.

CHP expects hazards to include flooding and downed power lines and trees due to heavy winds.

“We know there’s going to be rock slides in the Big Sur area,” says CHP Officer Chad Cavender. “We know that there’s some farm roads that flood frequently.”

Those same farm roads could be muddy as well, with tractors moving in and out of those farm lands leading up to the storms.

The manpower necessary to respond to calls for any hazards on Central Coast roadways is an “all hands on deck” kind of deal for the CHP. Those who are taking calls while in-office might have to rush out to answer the call themselves.

“We’re never going to ask someone who locates a hazard in the roadway to put up some kind of warning for other drivers. As long as they call us and let dispatch send someone there as soon as possible that person has done their due diligence to make sure others are taken care of,” says Officer Cavender.

Closures are already in place for some roads in Santa Cruz County.

Glenwood Drive between Bean Creek and Weston is closed along with Bear Creek Road near Bear Creek Way.

A closure is also in place at Falcon Hill near Branciforte. All closures are related to downed power lines or trees among other weather related concerns.

Murphy Road between Highway 129 and San Juan Road near Watsonville will also be closed due to concerns over flooding.

CHP asks drivers to avoid flooded roadways as much as possible.

Other advice includes driving slower than normal, looking out for hazards, headlights AND wipers should be on at the same time in stormy conditions.

The cruise control feature in your car should not be used as you will need to have every chance to make an immediate stop if you see debris in the roadway.