Flash-flood watch issued for SLO County as rain storm approaches
California’s Central Coast faces a “marginal risk” of excessive rainfall and flash flooding, according to a Sunday forecast from the National Weather Service.
The probable risk of “rapid onset flooding” along coastal area that include San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties is at least 5%, NWS Bay Area reported.
A flash-flood watch will be in place from 7 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.
Among the areas of concern are those scarred by fall and winter wildfires, including the Colorado and Dolan.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, rapid rainfall runoff going over burned areas can cause flash flooding.
The heaviest rainfall is predicted in the highest terrain of the Santa Lucia Range from roughly Carmel to Santa Barbara. It should be limited to 1 to 2 inches total in 24 hours, with a possibility of 3 inches.
A plume of moisture and precipitation is expected to enter the area heading into early Monday, according to the NWS Weather Prediction Center.
The NWS predicted severe weather for Monday, with wind, rain and thunderstorm potential.
NWS cautions as part of its Turn Around Don’t Drown! initiative that people don’t drive into floodwaters — it could be “the last decision you ever make.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2022 at 10:36 AM.