Thunderstorms in eastern SLO County prompt flash flood warning

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for southeastern San Luis Obispo County and central Santa Barbara County on Sunday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings for severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

The National Weather Service said in a tweet that radar estimated 1 to 1.5 inches per hour of rain for thunderstorms over the Carrizo Plain area.

Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.

The severe thunderstorm warning will expire at 3:41 p.m. and the flash flood warning will remain in place until 5:30 p.m.

Other locations that could experience flooding include Cuyama Valley, Soda Lake, Carrizo Plain and Highway 166.

Radar also indicated 1-inch-diameter hail and wind gusts of more than 60 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service advises that drivers turn around when encountering flooded roads.

This story was originally published June 2, 2019 at 3:45 PM.