Special warning issued for waterspouts off SLO County coast as thunderstorm hits
High winds off the coast of San Luis Obispo County on Monday afternoon may whip up a unique marine weather phenomenon: waterspouts.
NOAA’s National Weather Service issued a “special marine warning” for waterspouts on the Pacific Ocean between Point Piedras Blancas and Point Sal through about 12:45 p.m. Monday. Wind gusts out on the ocean may reach up to 34 knots, or about 39 mph, the Service warned.
Waterspouts are whirling columns of air and water mist that can form on the ocean during windy and stormy conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves,” the Weather Service wrote in its special marine warning.
The special marine warning comes as a “strong thunderstorm” was moving toward Morro Bay on Monday, expected to make landfall in the early afternoon, according to the Service.
Additionally, the Weather Service issued a “special weather statement” for the county, as “winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail” are expected for the county’s coastal areas including Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos and Cambria.
“If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the Weather Service wrote in its statement.
A high surf and small craft advisory is also in effect for the coastal regions as the county gets hit by the first substantial rainstorm of 2022.
More than an inch of rain has fallen in the North Coast areas of San Luis Obispo County since early Monday morning, while most areas of the county have seen just below an inch of rain during this storm, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department.
Rain is expected to continue to fall in spurts throughout Monday, according to the Weather Service. Some areas may see an additional half-inch to an inch of rain, forecasts say.
This story was originally published March 28, 2022 at 12:33 PM.
