County of Monterey Debris Flow Evacuation Order Downgraded to Warning For Areas Of River Road

RELEASE DATE: 12/14/21 10:00am WHAT: According to the National Weather Service an Atmospheric River will be impacting Monterey County from Sunday evening, 12/12/2021 to Tuesday morning, 12/14/2021. The Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service for the River Fire, Carmel Fire, and Dolan Fire Burn Scars has expired. Due to the possibility of smaller localized rain events, the County of Monterey has downgraded the Evacuation Order for areas of River Road in Salinas, CA to an Evacuation Warning; the Evacuation Warning for the Dolan Fire Burn Scar remains in place. Properties and people located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Areas that have experienced increased runoff, flooding, debris, and/or mudflows since the fires in August 2020 will likely experience similar or worsened impacts. Please remain vigilant and be aware of any land movement. If weather patterns change or land movement occurs, additional evacuation warnings or orders may be issued. If you are concerned about your safety or feel that your life is threatened, leave the area; do not wait for officials to tell you to do so. WHEN: December 14, 2021 effective immediately WHERE: Evacuation Warning: • Pine Canyon Rd, Salinas CA, including: Trimble Hill, Mesa Rd, Manzanita Way, Wildwood Way, Redding Dr, Belmont Circle, and the southwest end of Berry Drive. • Limekiln Rd, Salinas CA • 800 Block of River Rd, Salinas CA • Dolan Fire Burn Scar NOTE: Highway 1 will be closed at Deetjen's Big Sur Resort (Postmile 42.1) and Ragged Point will remain closed until further notice. DEFINITIONS: • Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. This area is lawfully close to public access. • Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now. • Debris Flows: Debris flows are fast-moving masses of mud, rocks, boulders, trees and sometimes homes or vehicles. They move quickly and are often deadly to those in their path. The only way to avoid debris flows is to move to safety prior to any debris flow event. SAFETY MESSAGE: The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current incident conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closure and any evacuation warnings. The weather forecast anticipates high winds and potential for downed trees. Residents should exercise caution when leaving their homes during the storm. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 9-1-1.