Winter storm warning issued for SLO County. Here’s what you need to know
Brace yourself — a winter storm is set to slam into San Luis Obispo County beginning Wednesday, bringing snow, rain, gusting winds and dangerous surf conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the mountains in the central and southeastern areas of the county including the Caliente Range around the Carrizo Plain, La Panza Range just east of Santa Margarita, and for the Santa Margarita Lake area.
Snow was expected to start falling in those areas by 4 p.m. Wednesday, intermixed with chances of rain depending on temperatures, according to the Weather Service.
The winter storm warning is in place until Saturday at 4 p.m., according to the Weather Service.
“Heavy snow expected, especially Thursday night through Saturday,” the Weather Service wrote in its warning. “Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 3,500 feet and up to 6 inches of snow down to 2,000 feet.”
The Caliente and La Panza ranges host the tallest peaks in San Luis Obispo County, with many over 3,500 feet. The highest peaks include 5,106-feet-tall Caliente Mountain west of the Carrizo Plain, Machesna Moutain standing at 4,063 feet just east of Pozo, and the 3,782-foot-tall Pine Mountain east of Santa Margarita.
Wind gusts are expected to range between 20 to 55 miles per hour in the mountain areas, with the strongest gusts coming Thursday night into Friday, the Weather Service said.
Winter weather advisory issued for other parts of SLO County
While the winter storm warning was issued for those interior mountain ranges, the Weather Service has also issued a winter weather advisory for other areas of San Luis Obispo County including the Cuyama Valley, Santa Lucia Mountains, Hearst Castle area, the Irish Hills, Carrizo Plain, Creston and Shandon.
Anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall in the lower-lying areas down to 1,000 feet elevation, while 3 to 6 inches could fall in the foothills, according to the Weather Service.
Major cities such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero and Arroyo Grande are not included in the winter weather advisory.
The winter weather advisory is in place until 1 p.m. Thursday, with “moderate snow expected,” the Weather Service wrote in its advisory.
Winds will also likely be strong, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service warned.
Rain, strong winds expected throughout the week
Other areas of the county — such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and South County cities — are expected to see rain beginning later on Wednesday. Less than an inch of rain is in the forecast, according to the Weather Service.
The rain could pick up beginning Thursday, with the heaviest predicted on Friday.
Winds will also get stronger throughout the week, with the strongest gusts of up to 45 miles per hour expected on Friday.
The storm will likely peter out beginning Friday night into Saturday, with partly sunny conditions expected to return on Sunday, the Weather Service said.
This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 10:22 AM.
