Storm could bring flooding to SLO County this week. Here’s where and when
It may be dry today, but part of San Luis Obispo County will be under flood watch as rain rolls through Southern California mid-week.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services, flash flooding and debris flows from excessive rainfall are possible in eastern San Luis Obispo County on Thursday.
The likelihood of flooding prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for Paso Robles and all communities in the valley and mountain areas of eastern San Luis Obispo County.
The watch will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with rainfall getting less severe closer to the coast.
National Weather Service forecasts indicate a 50% or higher chance of rain across most of San Luis Obispo County on Thursday, with rainfall rates of one-half inch per 30 minutes and one inch per hour possible.
The rainstorms may result in excessive runoff, flooding rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as low-water crossings, according to the watch. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris, and extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks is possible, the watch warned.
Rains to clear before warmer weekend
Temperatures across the county are expected to dip Thursday before the weekend brings mostly clear skies and higher temperatures, according to the Weather Service.
Rainfall is expected to start Wednesday overnight, with a 50% chance of rain across the county.
Paso Robles is the only incorporated city under a flood watch in the county, with a 60% chance of showers Thursday and a high of 75 degrees.
The weekend will be sunny, however, with temperatures reaching 81 degrees Friday, 90 degrees Saturday and 94 degrees Sunday, according to the Weather Service.
Farther south, Atascadero is expected to see similar conditions albeit with slightly cooler temperatures and no flood watch in effect.
In San Luis Obispo, Thursday will bring a 50% chance of rain and a high of 65 degrees, with skies clearing and temperatures rising to the high 70s and low 80s on Saturday and Sunday.
Along the coast, Morro Bay will experience a high of 55 degrees Thursday and a 50% chance of showers, though temperatures will rise as high as 69 degrees by Friday despite some fogginess.
Similar conditions are expected in the coastal South County cities of Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, though temperatures will only reach the mid-60s during the weekend.
Arroyo Grande and Nipomo will see temperatures reach the mid-70s by Sunday, according to the Weather Service.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 11:45 AM.
