The storm-related evacuation orders in parts of Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties have been downgraded to warnings, officials announced Thursday morning.
Concerns about debris flows in and around the fire-scarred areas of the Santa Cruz Mountains prompted authorities to issue the evacuations earlier in the week.
The Santa Cruz County Public Works Department continued to monitor the fire zone area Thursday. So far, there have been no serious debris flows and no substantial earth movement, the department said.
Even though evacuation orders were lifted, many residents said they were not going to let their guards down.
"We just have everything packed," Sandra Hampton of Ben Lomond said. "I have everything packed in my car and we have a place to go."
Vicki Davis of Felton took advantage of a break in the rain to fill sandbags at the Valley Churches United disaster relief center in Ben Lomond, though damage had already been done.
"We had some flooding coming down our driveway, so we’re trying to divert the water away from the house," she said. "Flooded a bedroom inside the house."
