A series of storm systems, part of a large Atmospheric River type of pattern, impacted the area during late December 2012. From the 21st through 26th of December, heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding, and mudslides occurred across the Bay Area in these consecutive events. Downed trees, powerlines, and flooded roadways impacted residents over the Christmas holiday season. The event included a tornado touchdown on the coast of Santa Cruz County which brought extensive damage to portions of a greenhouse and flower growing operations. These storms followed a series of significant storms in late November and early December.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-DEC-12 22:15:00 to 22-DEC-12 22:15:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A 30 foot tree fell on Ice Cream Grade, near Winter Creek Road with no major damage and no injuries.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 13:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 13:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

High winds brought down a power pole and trees in Schellville on Broadway, south of Watermaugh. Broadway was closed for several hours.

Heavy Rain in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 22-DEC-12 14:25:00 to 22-DEC-12 14:25:00 (PST-8)
Location: SCHELLVILLE ARPT
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a two car accident during heavy rainfall in Napa County. At 2:25 PM on Saturday the 22nd of December, a car heading southbound on Highway 121 near the Viansa winery lost control on a curve, crossed the center line and was hit broadside by oncoming traffic. The driver was killed at the scene and the passenger sustained significant injuries and was airlifted. The driver of the car in oncoming traffic was also airlifted with significant injuries.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 17:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 17:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: SOQUEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Soquel Creek stream gauge near Soquel reported a water level of 15.04 feet. In this area, Flooding begins at 14.5 feet. This is the peak value of the flash flooding event.

Flash Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 17:30:00 to 23-DEC-12 17:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: LOMA MAR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The water level on Corralitos Creek gauge at Freedom reached 11.61 feet. At this location, minor flooding begins above 11.5 feet.

Heavy Rain in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 21-DEC-12 00:00:00 to 21-DEC-12 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Location: (SFO)SFO INTL ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

More than 100 flights were cancelled in and out of San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) due to the heavy rain and low clouds on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Passengers were delayed for an average of 3 hours because two runways were shut down.

Debris Flow in MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: POSTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A massive rock and mud slide near Partinigton Creek blocked US Highway 1 and a private road leading into a Partington Ridge neighborhood. 32 homes were isolated due to the rocks and mud blocking the roadway. Highway 1 was closed for 5 days due to the slide until one lane could be opened again. More than 40 stranded tourists slept in their cars Saturday night December 22nd as they had no way to get out of the area. Repairs took several weeks.

Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 19:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 22:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: MT HERMON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Evacuations to 50 homes in Felton on Sunday night. The San Lorenzo River flooded several streets, including Sylvan Way, River Road, Covered Bridge Road and Circle Road. Residents were able to return home around 11:00 PM that night.

Flash Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 18:45:00 to 23-DEC-12 18:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: PESCADERO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The water level on the Pescadero Creek at Pescadero gauge reached 14.56 feet. Flooding begins at this location at levels above 12.0 feet. This is the peak level of the flash flood event.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 19:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 19:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: FREEDOM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The water levels on the Corralitos Creek at Freedom gauge reached 12.45 feet. Flooding begins at levels of 12.0 feet at this location.

Flash Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 20:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 20:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: PESCADERO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The water level on the Pescadero Creek at Pescadero gauge reached 13.23 feet. At this location, flooding occurs with levels above 12.0 feet.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 18:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 18:15:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Lincoln Street in Watsonville was closed after high winds blew a tree down onto powerlines, all of which fell into the road.

Debris Flow in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 19:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: FELTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Heavy rain caused a mudslide which blocked the southbound lanes of Felton Empire Road, near Bonny Doon.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 18:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Highway 9 was closed near El Solyo Heights Drive in Felton due to wires falling across the road.

Flood in NAPA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 14:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: YOUNTVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Hopper Creek rose to the top of the bridge on Finnell Road, overflowed down Mulberry Street, and flooded the south end of Heather Street.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-DEC-12 09:15:00 to 22-DEC-12 09:15:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Cal Fire reported a tree fell onto a house in Bonny Doon on Northwest Drive. No injuries ocurred.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-DEC-12 22:00:00 to 22-DEC-12 22:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Wires were downed due to high winds in Corralitos. Eureka Canyon Road near Old Evans Road was closed around 10 PM.

Flash Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 19:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PESCADERO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The water level on the Pescadero Creek at Pescadero gauge reached 14.47 feet. Minor flooding begins at levels above 12.0 feet at this location.

Debris Flow in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: APTOS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highland Way in the Santa Cruz Mountains was blocked by a mudlside. The road was initially flooded due to heavy rain and then a mudslide ocurred shortly after. The slide blocked all traffic and closed the road. Public works estimated the road will be closed for one week.

Flash Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 11:16:00 to 23-DEC-12 11:16:00 (PST-8)
Location: PENNGROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Willow Brook at Penngrove Park gauge reached 62.1 feet. At a level of 60.7 feet, water from the Brook goes out of the banks and flooding begins in Penngrove Park. Above 62.0 feet, Willow Brook will flood downstream of Penngrove Park as well.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 11:21:00 to 23-DEC-12 11:21:00 (PST-8)
Location: SOQUEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Stream Gauge on Soquel Creek reported water levels on the creek had risen to 14.62 feet. Flooding on the Creek begins above 14.5 feet.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 15:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: MT HERMON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Big Trees gauge on the San Lorenzo River reached a level of 17.55 feet. Minor flooding in the area begins with levels above 17.0 feet at this location.

Flash Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 14:46:00 to 23-DEC-12 14:46:00 (PST-8)
Location: PENNGROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The gauge on Willow Brook at Penngrove Park reached a level of 61.6 feet. Flooding begins in Penngrove Park with water going out of its banks and flooding the park at 60.7 feet.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 16:45:00 to 23-DEC-12 16:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: MT HERMON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Big Trees gauge on the San Lorenzo River reached 20.41 feet. Flooding on the river at this locations begins with levels above 17.0 feet.

Flash Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 17:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 17:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: PESCADERO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Levels at the gauge on Pescadero Creek near Pescadero reached 12.86 feet. Minor flooding on the Creek at this location will begin with levels above 12.0 feet.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 15:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PALO ALTO ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.70M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Heavy rain caused San Francisquito Creek to flood and briefly overtop a levee in East Palo Alto. Numerous other seeps and areas where water bubbled through the levee were also noted in the area. Homes on Verbena Drive nearest the levee were evacuated. Officials placed sandbags on top of the levees to temporarily strengthen the flood defenses.

Debris Flow in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 11:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: ANNAPOLIS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Mudslides closed Annapolis Road for several hours, east of Highway 1.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 11:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 11:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: COTATI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

During vigorous rain, Stony Point Road had to be closed in Coati. A 48 inch culvert underneath the road collapsed and left behind a 10 foot hole in the middle of Stony Point Road, in front of the Sports City Indoor Complex. Engineers planned emergency repairs to reopen the road by the end of the next day.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 8.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Downed power lines and a fallen tree closed Highway 12 near Watmaugh Road, south of Sonoma, for several hours on Sunday afternoon, December 23.

Flood in MARIN, CALIFORNIA
From 21-DEC-12 12:00:00 to 21-DEC-12 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: HAMLET
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Two motorists had to be rescued from waist deep water on Highway 1 where Walker Creek flooded the roadway near Tomales. The road was then closed due to high water.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 10:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 10:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Wind blew down a large pine tree, which crashed into a playground structure in Corte Madera's Town Park on Sunday morning.

Tornado in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 22-DEC-12 06:59:00 to 22-DEC-12 07:02:00 (PST-8)
Location: ELLICOTT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EF-0 tornado moved onshore from Monterey Bay into coastal Santa Cruz County in the early morning of December 22. The tornado caused tree damage and significant damage to commercial greenhouse structures at a large farm. Broken fiberglass panels and bent metal frame poles were observed at the greenhouse with debris thrown several dozen yards south of the damage path into adjacent fields. the tornado caused additional minor damage to 4 adjacent greenhouse structures. Debris was wrapped around electric poles south of the damage path. The greenhouse operators indicated that they lost 25 percent of their lisianthus flower crop, over 3,000 Gerbea crop, and 40,000 square feet of greenhouse space. Minor tree damage was observed along San Andreas Road nearby. Damage path was 1.07 miles and 20 yards wide. Damage consistent with an EF-0 tornado estimated at 75 MPH.

Flood in NAPA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:15:00 to 23-DEC-12 14:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: YOUNTVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Washington Street was flooded on both sides of its intersection with California Drive for several hours early in the afternoon of December 23. The Napa Valley Wine train shortened its route due to water on the tracks.

Flash Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 08:31:00 to 23-DEC-12 08:31:00 (PST-8)
Location: PENNGROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The gauge on Willow Brook at Penngrove Park reached a level of 60.9 feet. Flooding begins in Penngrove Park with water going out of its banks and flooding the park at 60.7 feet.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 13:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 13:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: SCHELLVILLE ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Heavy rain flooded the intersection of Highways 12 and 121 in Schellville for about 45 minutes. Traffic was blocked and could not cross the intersection during this time.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 12:00:00 to 23-DEC-12 12:20:00 (PST-8)
Location: GRATON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A van full of people stalled in knee-deep water from Atascadero Creek on Graton Road. The people were stranded for 20 minutes before being rescued by fire crews.

Flash Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 23-DEC-12 18:30:00 to 23-DEC-12 18:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: MT HERMON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The water level on the San Lorenzo River at the Big Trees Gauge reached 18.65 feet. Minor flooding begins at this location at levels above 17.0 feet.