A ‘rapidly intensifying storm’ is headed to SLO County — and it could bring heavy rain
An intense rain storm with near-hurricane force winds is headed to San Luis Obispo County on Thursday afternoon, according to PG&E meteorologist John Linsdey.
Central Coast residents can expect rain and strong, chilly winds from Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning, followed by mostly clear skies with some ground fog in the North County over the weekend, Lindsey said.
A cold front will push southeastward down the Pacific coastline, hitting Big Sur on Thursday morning and bringing rain to San Luis Obispo County by the afternoon.
Lindsey classified the storm as a “bomb cyclone,” or a “rapidly intensifying storm.”
As a cold front transitions through the area, heavy rain is likely on the Central Coast, from Big Sur all the way to Pismo Beach or Grover Beach by 4 p.m. inland to Paso Robles, Lindsey said.
By Thursday evening, rain will continue in those areas and expand southward all the way to Los Angeles, he said.
With the snow level dropping to 3,000 feet, drivers may see increased traffic on Highway 101 if the I-5 Grapevine is closed for safety.
Wind gusts along the coast could reach up to 50 mph, Lindsey said, creating a risk of power outages caused by dropping branches and falling trees.
All together, Lindsey said San Luis Obispo County will see about three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch of rain, with even more north of the Point San Luis Lighthouse and in the Santa Lucia Mountains.
“It’s a lot of rain,” Lindsey said. “We’re really fortunate to get that.”
The meteorologist said San Luis Obispo County is still below average in terms of rainfall, having received about 75% of the average rainfall for the season running July 1 through January.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department, the San Antonio Reservoir is currently at 37% capacity, while Nacimiento Lake is at 52% capacity, Santa Margarita is at 84%, Whale Rock is at 85% and Lopez Lake is at 52% capacity.
Lindsey said that people can prepare for the storm by getting flashlights with fresh batteries and radios ready, and making sure to charge their cell phones.
If you see a downed powerline, call 911 and then 800-PGE-5000, Lindsey said, keep your kids, pets and yourself away from it.
