Thunderstorms, small tornado could hit SLO County. When does rain start?
After a long stretch of hot and dry weather, a pair of storms is bearing down on San Luis Obispo County, bringing rain showers, possible thunderstorms and a chance of a tornado.
According to the National Weather Service’s forecast discussion, the two storms will move across the county late Friday through Monday.
“Small hail and gusty winds are possible during this period and can’t rule out a waterspout or small tornado,” the weather service said.
The strongest part of the storm will hit late Saturday through Sunday morning, the agency said.
“The second pulse of the storm will have a lot of energy and instability,” National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld told the Tribune, which could result in brief heavy downpours, lightning and intense winds.
Parts of the county could see up to an inch-and-a-half of rain from the storm, she said.
What’s in the weather forecast for San Luis Obispo?
There is a 60% chance of showers along with a possible thunderstorm forecast after 11 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
New rainfall amounts are expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, though higher amounts are possible if a thunderstorm does hit, the weather service said.
On Saturday, conditions will remain cloudy with a 50% chance of precipitation and up to a quarter-inch of rain possible. The area could also see strong wind gusts up to 25 mph, according to the forecast.
The storm will intensify Saturday night when another thunderstorm is possible, along with a 90% chance of rain.
Schoenfeld said a weak tornado “is not impossible” Saturday night. She advised people to wait out the storm indoors, especially if winds seem like “they’re picking up out of nowhere” — which she said is one indication a tornado is materializing.
Showers and cloudy conditions will continue Sunday with a 70% chance of rain, the weather service said.
On Monday, there is a slight chance of precipitation before sunny weather returns that afternoon.
When will it rain in Paso Robles?
The Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast for Paso Robles called for a 50% chance of rain, 20 mph wind gusts and a possible thunderstorm after 11 a.m. Friday.
Afternoon showers could add up to a tenth-inch of rain, unless a thunderstorm materializes — which could bring even more —the National Weather Service said.
Cloudy conditions and a 40% chance of rain are expected after 11 a.m. Saturday. In the evening, there’s a 90% chance of precipitation with another possible thunderstorm forecast.
On Sunday, showers are likely with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the forecast.
Sunny, clear weather will return to Paso Robles on Monday.
