Crews Still Racing to Replace Pipe in Time as Weather Warning Decreases

Although Weather.com predicts just a 20 percent chance of rain Saturday, the city of Capitola is taking precautions to prevent a flood similar to the one in late March.

The burst pipe carrying Noble Gulch Creek is being worked on, with hopes of completed replacement before the next rainfall. City spokesman Derek Johnson said, however, that there is no estimate as to when the work will be finished.

"The pipe is here," he said. "It's been delivered. It's going to start being put in this afternoon. We're also trying to 'de-water,' though, because there's still a lot of water coming through there."

Forecasts earlier in the week showed Friday evening and Saturday bringing heavier rain and wind than is now expected. Despite pacified projections, the city is still on high alert.

"We're being very cautious," Johnson said. "When you have an open pipe ... it does concern us, even with the slight amount of rain in the forecast."

Along with press releases, Johnson said emails are being sent to residents and businesses to warn of weekend flood danger. The city also has representatives walking door-to-door to notify the public.