High wind, surf advisories issued as rain sprinkles SLO County. Here’s what to know
Much of San Luis Obispo County woke up to rainfall Thursday morning as a weak storm front moved in on the Central Coast — and it’s likely to linger through at least the weekend.
The first of two small storm systems arrived Thursday, bringing light rain but heavier winds to the area, according to the National Weather Service’s early morning forecast. As a result, wind, surf and small sea craft advisories went into effect Thursday
As of 5 a.m. Thursday, the light rain system was quickly moving from an area just off the coast inland, the Weather Service said. Showers were expected to scatter across SLO County into the afternoon.
Thursday was expected to be a fairly chilly day, with maximum temperatures in the 50s to mid 60s in most areas and as low as the upper 30s in the mountains at higher elevations, the Weather Service said.
Rainfall totals were expected to be low — between one-tenth and a quarter inch across the county, with higher local totals possible in northwest areas.
The Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market was still planned for 6 p.m. as usual as of Thursday morning, the organization told The Tribune.
Gusts up to 35 mph possible, wind advisory warns
As part of the storm, the Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Luis Obispo County from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph were expected across the county and the coast, the Weather Service said.
The Weather Service warned drivers to use extra caution when in transit, indicating that strong wind gusts can make driving difficult and blow around unsecured objects. Additionally, tree limbs could be blown down causing potential power outages through the evening.
High Surf advisory in effect through the weekend
The Weather Service also issued a high surf advisory for San Luis Obispo County beaches from 4 p.m. Thursday through the same time Sunday.
Large waves of 10 to 13 feet with “dangerous” rip currents were expected, causing minor flooding along the coast line.
With waves of this size and rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, there was an increased risk of drowning, the Weather Service warned. Large, breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.
Tides will run high, around 7 feet, causing potential flooding of low-lying areas along the beach such as beach parking lots within a couple hours of the morning high tides, which will be at around 7 a.m. Friday to between 8 and 9 a.m. Sunday.
The Weather Service advised beachgoers to remain out of the water or stay near occupied lifeguard towers.
Finally, the agency issued a small craft advisory in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday along the coast.
Small boats and inexperienced mariners were warned to remain out of the waters due to hazardous conditions.
How long will the rain last?
The Weather Service predicted another faster moving storm front to hit the Central Coast on Friday night, bringing a slight chance of rain through the weekend.
The storm system would most likely bring rain to SLO County on Saturday afternoon, then travel south into Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Rainfall totals from the next system should be slightly higher, reaching up to an inch in areas of North County, the Weather Service said.
There was also a chance of a quarter of an inch or less of rain across SLO County on Monday afternoon and into the evening.
This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 10:23 AM.
