Flood watch issued for SLO County. How to prepare for ‘widespread’ flooding
As an atmospheric river-fueled storm descends upon San Luis Obispo County, local officials are urging residents to take precautions ahead of heavy rains and possible flooding.
The storm could bring up to 5 inches of rain in coastal valleys, with as much as 8 inches of rain in more mountainous parts of SLO County, according to the National Weather Service.
“This amount of rain will raise the risk of road flooding and will create hazardous road conditions,” the county said in an AlertSLO notification.
Wind gusts up to 80 mph are predicted throughout SLO County while the storm is underway.
Here’s to know ahead of the significant storm:
High wind, flood watches issued for SLO County
The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch that will be in place from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23, through 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25.
There’s also a flood watch in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, through 10 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, for all parts of the county.
“Heavy rainfall is expected with high rainfall rates,” the weather service said. “Widespread urban flooding will be possible along with mud and debris flows across all foothills and mountain areas.
Conditions could change quickly while the atmospheric river storm rolls through the county and could cause “higher rainfall rates, thunderstorms and weak tornados,” according to the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services.
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 SLO County beaches, interior valleys and mountains, as well as Cuyama Valley, the Santa Lucia mountains and inland areas of the Central Coast, the flood watch advisory said.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service said in its flood watch.
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 flooding in SLO County
Here are ways you can prepare for storms ahead of time, according to the county Office of Emergency Services:
- Prepare a flood plan for your family and identify an evacuation route.
- Gather emergency supplies, such as food, flashlights, batteries and water for your home and vehicle.
- Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers and move them to higher levels of your home.
- Charge electronic devices and have a back-up external battery.
- Make sure emergency notifications are turned on from first responders, work and schools.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Check that your windshield wipers and tires are in working condition in case you have to drive in the storm.
- Empty rain gutters, clean out storm drains and fix roof leaks
- Secure outdoor furniture and take pets inside.
- Make plans to avoid driving or walking during extreme weather.
- Fill or get pre-filled sandbags.
- Check local news sources for information on changing weather conditions.
Where are sandbags available in SLO County?
Sandbags help “form a temporary sturdy barrier to divert water away from vulnerable areas,” the SLO County Office of Emergency Services said in a social media post.
The city of Paso Robles has sand available at the City Streets Yard, 1220 Paso Robles St., it said in a Monday news release.
“Please make sure to bring a shovel,” the city said.
Empty sandbags are available for purchase at several locations across the county.
Here’s a list of hardware stores, home centers and retailers that typically stock sandbags.
