Live updates: Rockslides close Hwy. 1, hiker rescued as storm continues

A winter storm brought heavy rain and high winds to San Luis Obispo County on Monday, including multiple advisories expected to last throughout the day.

Follow along with The Tribune for live updates throughout the day.

Rockslides, debris close Highway 1

Rockslides and debris across the road closed a portion of Highway 1 at the San Luis Obispo County line on Monday night.

According to a post on X from Caltrans District 5, a full closure of Highway 1 was in effect from Ragged Point Inn in San Luis Obispo County to a mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County.

Stranded hiker rescued from Big Sur-area campground

Update, 5:10 p.m.:

A hiker stranded by rising creek waters was rescued from a popular Big Sur-area trail on Monday morning.

The California Highway Patrol Coastal Division announced on Facebook that its H-70 helicopter responded during “rapidly deteriorating weather” at 10:36 a.m. to locate a hiker who lost their escape route after hiking near the Santa Lucia Creek, where water levels had risen rapidly due to overnight storms.

New flood advisory issued

Update, 5 p.m.:

The National Weather Service issued a new flood advisory for much of San Luis Obispo County on Monday evening.

According to the advisory, Doppler radar indicated “isolated to scattered showers” across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Additional brief, moderate to heavy showers were expected to occur through the evening hours.

The advisory was set to expire at 9 p.m.

‘Brief weak tornado’ possible in northern SLO County, Weather Service warns

Update, 12:50 p.m.:

A “brief weak tornado” is possible along the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County, the National Weather Service warned Monday afternoon.

According to a special weather statement for San Luis Obispo County beaches and particularly the San Simeon and Cambria area, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm east of Point Piedras Blancas as of 12:39 p.m.

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph were possible, as well as a “brief weak tornado,” the agency said. Gusty winds could also knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

People were advised to consider seeking shelter in a building if outside.

The alert was expected to last until 1:15 p.m.

Soon after, the agency also issued a special weather statement for Nipomo and into Santa Barbara County, warning of “strong thunderstorms along a line” northeast of San Luis Obispo to Highway 101 through Gaviota State Park.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and a “brief heavy downpour” are possible.

The alert was expected to last through 1:45 p.m.

National Weather Service warns of possible waterspouts, hail

Update, noon:

The National Weather Service has extended its flood advisory for San Luis Obispo County to 2 p.m., according to the Office of Emergency Services.

Update, 11:22 a.m.:

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement at 11:22 a.m., advising high winds of 55 mph and possible pea-sized hail until 12:15 p.m.

A special marine warning was also announced, with possible waterspouts along the coasts of Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos, Cambria and Avila Beach.

The warning also included steep waves, warning residents to seek safe harbor and take protective actions.

Powerful storm brings heavy rain, flooding

Original story:

By 9 a.m., agencies were already reporting flooding and incidents on local roadways.

Starting at 7:43 a.m., California Highway Patrol’s traffic incident page reported multiple vehicles spinning out on Highway 101 heading northbound towards Paso Robles or southbound to Grover Beach.

At 8:45 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for the eastern part of the county, warning of winds up to 55 mph and the possibility of hail.

The statement was updated at 9:19 a.m., extending the reach further eastward for the high winds and chance of hail, and advising to seek shelter in a sturdy structure.

A wider wind advisory was in effect for much of Southern California including SLO County through 6 p.m., with winds of 20 to 35 mph.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the Weather Service warned. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”

SLO County was also under a flood advisory until 11:15 a.m.

“At 7:34 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area,” the Weather Service said.

Areas of particular concern included Santa Maria, Nipomo, Guadalupe and Highway 166 between Twitchell Dam and the Cuyama Valley.

What’s up next in SLO County weather forecast?

The National Weather Service is forecasting a thunderstorm before 4 p.m. today, and a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Storms are currently producing heavy rainfall, and the highest temperature is set for 51 degrees.

Wind gusts as high as 30 mph are predicted, with new rainfall amounts for the day set between 1 and 2 inches today.

This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 9:01 AM.