Up to 15-foot waves could hit SLO County coast as storm approaches
Brace for impact San Luis Obispo County — massive waves will pummel the coast as a storm rolls in to the Central Coast this weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties on Thursday.
The warning lasts from 9 a.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Breaking waves could reach 8- to 12-feet tall, with the potential of 15-foot wave sets and rip currents.
“Surf will be highest on west and northwest facing beaches,” the Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service advised people to stay out of the water and away from rock jetties.
“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” the warning said. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.”
The National Weather Service also issued two flood watches for the Central Coast.
The first flood watch starts Friday at 4 p.m. and includes much of coastal San Luis Obispo County, as well as the cities of San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Paso Robles. The second starts at 10 p.m. and encompasses most of eastern San Luis Obispo County.
Both watches are scheduled to end Sunday at 6 p.m.
Wind, rain expected for the weekend
On Thursday, there’s an 90% chance of rain in the morning, with mostly clear skies expected after 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday, the Weather Service predicted a 60% chance of rain after 11 a.m., with mostly cloudy conditions and wind gusts up to 45 mph. There’s a 100% chance of rain through the night with high winds expected.
The Weather Service also issued a wind advisory from 3 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday, with the potential for 15-to-30 mph south winds and 45 mph gusts.
The wind advisory effects Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County beaches, the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County inland central coast, and the cities of Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Cambria, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Lopez Lake, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Buellton and Santa Maria.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the Weather Service said.
Rain and possible thunderstorms could strike on Saturday before 11 a.m., with a chance of showers after 11 p.m.
Rain showers are likely to continue on Sunday with intermittent sunshine breaking through the clouds. The storm should pass by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
This story was originally published March 28, 2024 at 10:47 AM.
