Flood in Santa Cruz County, California

Widespread flooding occurred across the county, with at least 13 road closures reported due to mudslides as well a fallen trees and utility poles. In Soquel, downed trees and flooding from Soquel Creek closed many roads. About 13 homes were damaged by flooding from the creek in Felton as the San Lorenzo River spilled out of its banks. Much of the damage reported was for needed road repairs due to flooding and debris clearance. At 10 pm on 12/31 a California Highway Patrol Officer was killed as he responded to a spun-out vehicle on Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz moutains during heavy rain. An oncoming vehicle accidentaly hit the officer as he was on the side of the road - killing him and the driver of that vehicle. Flooding continued into the first few days of January 2006.