Flood watch issued for SLO County. Here’s how to prepare for ‘significant storm’
As an atmospheric river storm starts to sweep across San Luis Obispo County, local officials are urging residents to take precautions ahead of heavy rains and possible flooding.
“Prepare now for this week’s significant storm,” the city of San Luis Obispo said in a Tuesday news release.
Rainfall totals could reach up to four inches throughout the county, with some areas in the Santa Lucia Mountains forecast to get up to 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph are predicted throughout SLO county during the storm.
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning that will be in place from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, as well as a flood watch that will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday for all parts of the county.
Excessive rainfall could cause flooding of “rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather agency said.
The storm system could also cause rural and urban flooding, power outages and traffic incidents, according to the SLO County Office of Emergency Services.
What can residents do to prepare?
Here’s what you should know about the powerful storm:
Where are flood risks in SLO County?
According to the National Weather Service, flooding is possible in all parts of San Luis Obispo County while the atmospheric river system is underway.
This includes the cities and towns of Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Atascadero, Cambria, Creston, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, San Miguel, Shandon and Templeton.
Also affected are Lake Nacimiento, Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita areas as well as Carrizo Plain, Hearst Castle, Irish Hills and Caliente and La Panza mountain ranges.
The weather service said heavy rains are expected to start late Wednesday night and extend throughout Thursday “with rain rates possibly exceeding one-half inch per hour, especially in the Santa Lucia Range.”
The agency also advised those living in flood-prone areas to be prepared to take action if excessive rainfall causes flooding.
You can find out if you live in one of these areas by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood map service center.
How to prepare for a flood
According to San Luis Obispo County’s Office of Emergency Services, here are ways residents can prepare for storms ahead of time:
Do I need flood insurance?
Before heavy rains hit, homeowners should check whether their insurance protects against flood damage and or total loss, the SLO County Office of Emergency Services recommends.
Most insurance policies do not cover this type of disaster, according to the SLO County Office of Emergency Services.
Flood insurance policies offer options that cover direct losses to your home, personal belongings, or business.
For more information on flood insurance protection, people can visit the National Flood Insurance Program or get a quote from a local insurance agent.
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 2:18 PM.
