Wow, Tuesday afternoon's weather could not be more opposite of what we are expected to experience in the next 24 hours.
We had plenty of sunshine and even saw temperatures a few degrees warmer than Monday.
That's all about to change overnight.
The latest models show heavy rain starts to build over northern San Luis Obispo County shortly before 4 a.m..
Coastal areas of San Luis Obispo County could see three hour rain rates between 1-2 inches, causing roadway and creek flooding.
These rain rates meet the criteria to for a Flash Flood Watch to go into effect at 3 a.m. Wednesday.
When the system moves through Thursday into Friday, more Flash Flood Watches may be needed.
This storm is also dropping snow levels to 4500 feet Tuesday night. Mountains above 6000 feet should expect several feet of snow.
Mountain areas will also see gusts upwards of 60 mph, creating conditions for a Winter Storm Warning.
Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Mountains, which will go into effect at 3am. 1 to 3 FEET of snow is expected at elevations of 6000' and higher. A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for the LA Mountains for Thursday. #CAwx
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 26, 2021
Winds are another large concern with this storm, as gusts up to 60 mph are projected for several areas across the Central Coast.
A High Wind Warning has been issued from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Thursday for San Luis Obispo County, due to wind speeds estimated at 25-40 mph and gusts up to 65 mph.
A Wind Advisory has been issued from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Thursday for Santa Barbara County, due to winds estimated at 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph.
As the storm moves south however, it's like the wind advisory will be upgraded to a high wind warning.
Out on the water, dangerous conditions continue.
A High Surf Advisory has been issued until 6 p.m. Friday, as large breaking waves of 10 to
16 feet with dangerous rip currents are expected.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. Wednesday to noon Thursday, as moderate coastal flooding expected - especially around Port San Luis during the morning high tides.
You can keep tabs on the latest conditions by downloading our Microclimate Weather App from your phone's app store and allowing notifications.
Stay safe out there!
Our significant winter storm is nearly upon us and the entire area is slated to receive several inches of steady rain, and elevations above 6000' will receive significant snow. Also very gusty south winds. Be prepared for travel delays and urban roadway flooding! #CAwx #LArain pic.twitter.com/3c7kzSgYKF
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 26, 2021
