The first of three systems has arrived on the Central Coast, producing isolated thunderstorms in areas throughout the Central Coast.
As a result of the heavy rain, National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties through 7:30 a.m. Hourly rainfall rates of .25”-.4” were recorded in the overnight hours and there’s potential for continued heavy downpour and thunderstorms ahead of the morning commute. These conditions could lead to ponding of water and local flooding in low lying area roadways.
The rain is expected to continue through the morning before clearing starts early in the afternoon. By Thursday night, the rain will be gone and the skies will be clear.
Current rainfall totals as of 5:15 a.m.:
Rocky Butte: 0.91”
San Simeon: 0.71”
Cambria: 1.18”
Paso Robles: 0.08”
Templeton: 0.67”
Santa Margarita: 0.48”
Cal Poly SLO: 0.49”
SLO Reservoir: 1.10”
Pismo Beach: 0.79”
Arroyo Grande: 1.13”
Lopez Dam: 0.95”
Nipomo East: 1.15”
Santa Maria: 0.57”
Orcutt: 0.51”
Harris Grade: 0.58”
Vandenberg Village: 0.77”
Los Alamos: 0.62”
Los Olivos: 0.34”
Santa Ynez: 0.45”
Gaviota Coast: 0.85”
Isla Vista: 0.75”
Santa Barbara City College: 0.81”
Montecito: 0.63”
Cold Springs: 0.55”
Summerland: 0.49”
A second storm is in the forecast for Friday afternoon that will carry over into much of Saturday. This storm could produce 1.5”-3” of rain for the coastal valleys and beaches and at least 2.5” of rain for south-facing slopes. Gusty 30-45 mile per hour winds will tag along with system number two. A third system will move through the area Sunday and Monday, producing scattered showers that could bring in 0.5”-1” of rain.
