Storm brought more than 4 inches of rain to one SLO County spot. And more is on the way
The massive winter storm that slammed into San Luis Obispo County on Wednesday and early Thursday brought several inches of rain to some areas.
The northern coastal mountains of the county received the most rainfall, with Cambria reporting 2.01 inches of rain and Los Osos receiving 2.61 inches.
According to the National Weather Service, the wettest spot in SLO County was Rocky Butte near San Simeon, which reported 4.25 inches of rain over the past two days.
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport reported 1.48 inches of precipitation, while Arroyo Grande saw 1.94 inches and Paso Robles saw 1.02 inches.
The storm front moved through the Central Coast much faster than previously anticipated, resulting in less rainfall than predicted, the Weather Service said.
The agency has a flood watch in place for all of SLO County until 6 p.m. Thursday. Previously, the flood watch was in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday.
There is also a high surf warning in place until 10 a.m. Friday, and a coastal flood advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Friday, according to the Weather Service.
Large breaking waves of up to 16 to 22 feet are possible along San Luis Obispo County beaches, while sets up to 25 feet are possible during the highest surf, the Weather Service warned in its advisory.
“Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways,” the Weather Service wrote. “Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers and other water side infrastructure.”
High tide reached about 5.8 feet around 8 a.m. Thursday at Port San Luis.
More rainfall is expected to fall in San Luis Obispo County on Thursday, with the Weather Service predicting rain to stop at around 4 p.m..
The region could see more rain again on Saturday through early next week, according to the Weather Service.
SLO County rainfall totals
The National Weather Service measures rainfall totals in San Luis Obispo.
Here’s how much rain fell in parts of the county over 48 hours as of 4 a.m. Thursday:
- Rocky Butte: 4.25 inches
- Las Tablas (just south of Lake Nacimiento): 3.71 inches
- Los Osos: 2.61 inches
- Santa Margarita: 2.48 inches
- Black Mountain (along Hwy. 46 west of Templeton): 2.44 inches
- Santa Margarita Lake: 2.12 inches
- Cambria: 2.01 inches
- Atascadero: 1.97 inches
- Lopez Lake: 1.95 inches
- Arroyo Grande: 1.94 inches
- Cal Poly SLO: 1.68 inches
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport: 1.48 inches
- Templeton: 1.45 inches
- Davis Peak (north of Avila Beach): 1.38 inches
- Paso Robles: 1.02 inches
- Shandon: 0.62 inches
- Carrizo Plain: 0.36 inches
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 8:50 AM.
