Storm updates: Flood advisory issued for SLO County
Batten down the hatches, San Luis Obispo County: An atmospheric river storm struck on Thursday afternoon.
The storm was expected to drop up to 2 inches of rain across the county, brining with it high winds and surf advisories as well.
Follow along with The Tribune for live updates.
Flood advisory issued for SLO County
Update, 8:45 p.m.:
The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for a portion of western San Luis Obispo County on Thursday night as heavier rainfall began to fall across the area.
According to the alert, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain at 8:26 p.m., indicating minor flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
The agency said between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen so far.
The greatest impacts were expected to be for the wester Santa Ynez range and adjacent coasts near Point Conception and Point Arguello, but some areas that could experience flooding included San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Pismo beach, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Cambria and Grover Beach.
The advisory was expected to last through 11:30 p.m.
Power outages reported near Cambria, Shell Beach
Update, 5 p.m.:
A power outage cut off electricity for 467 PG&E customers near Cambria at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to the PG&E outage map.
PG&E was investigating the cause of the power outage. There was no estimate for when power would be restored.
“Crews are currently responding to emergencies due to storm damage,” PG&E said. “Once the extreme weather has passed, crews will begin repairs.”
Meanwhile, 68 PG&E customers lost power at about 3:30 p.m. between Morro Avenue and Montecito Avenue in Shell Beach.
As of 5 p.m., PG&E was “evaluating the electrical system to identify damaged sections and make necessary repairs,” the outage map said.
Power should be restored to Shell Beach by 10:30 p.m., PG&E said.
Highway 227 partially floods in SLO County
Update, 4:15 p.m.:
Caltrans identified standing water in the northbound lane of Highway 227 near Cold Canyon at about 4:10 p.m., the California Highway Patrol traffic log said.
Power lines fall across Highway 101, crashes reported
Update, 4:30 p.m.:
A blue Toyota truck driving northbound on Highway 101 spun out near the Price Street offramp, the CHP traffic log said.
The truck came to rest in the center divider facing south without hitting anything, the reporting party told the CHP.
The incident did not appear to result in injuries.
Update, 4 p.m.:
A dark green Toyota truck crashed into a concrete wall at 3:53 p.m. while driving southbound on Highway 101 at the summit of the Cuesta Grade, the CHP traffic log said.
The truck came to a rest on the roadside perpendicular to the highway. Emergency responders were on their way to move the vehicle to the brake check area as of 4 p.m.
No one was injured in the crash, the CHP said.
Update, 3:45 p.m.:
Power lines fell across northbound Highway 101 near Stage Coach Road at about 3:30 p.m., according to the CHP traffic log.
The CHP started a traffic break in the northbound lane near Monterey Street, the traffic log said.
Meanwhile, a white Chevrolet Suburban rolled over onto its roof while driving northbound on Highway 101 near the Avila Beach Drive off-ramp at about 3:30 p.m.
The vehicle slid about 30 feet down an embankment, according to the CHP traffic log. An ambulance was on its way to the scene of the crash as of 3:45 p.m. The crash resulted in minor injuries, according to the CHP.
Wind advisory issued for strong storm
Original story:
The Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the majority of the county from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with winds blowing 20 to 30 mph and the potential for gusts up to 45 mph.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result,” the Weather Service said. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”
Rain showers were forecast to start in the afternoon, with thunderstorms possible after 4 p.m. The storm could drop about a half inch of rain on Thursday, the Weather Service said.
The weekly Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market was closed on Thursday because of the rain.
What’s next in the forecast?
The Weather Service forecast a 90% chance of rain on Thursday evening, with the potential to drop up to 2 inches of rain on San Luis Obispo County.
Showers were likely before 10 a.m. on Friday, and the forecast predicted a 70% chance of rain on Saturday and a 40% chance of rain on Sunday.
A slight chance of rain will continue through Wednesday.
A high surf advisory will be in effect for San Luis Obispo County beaches from 12 a.m. on Friday to 9 a.m. on Saturday.
The forecast calls for large, breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet and “dangerous” rip currents. The Weather Service urged people to stay out of the water and off of rock jetties, which “can be deadly in such conditions.”
“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” the Weather Service 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. Minor beach erosion and minor flooding of usually dry areas may occur.”
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 10:55 AM.
