Update from KSBY Meteorologist Dave Hovde 11:00am
The storm system that moved through the Central Coast last night deposited quite a bit of rainfall across the area. Our original forecast for the storm through the weekend was for between 1/2 of an inch of rain to 2 1/2 inches of rain with more in the area mountains and hills.
That forecast has already verified with higher elevations getting that one to three-inch rainfall that was expected with many communities at or over an inch of rain.
There was a tornado warning for the Carpinteria area between 1:35 and 2:15am this morning:
We aren't done with the storm system just yet. Unlike last night where the rainfall was widespread along a frontal boundary, the upcoming rainfall will be more scattered as cold unstable air aloft spins over the Central Coast.
Activity should become more energetic in the afternoon and evening hours Saturday. As the low pressure system moves to the South the activity will shift to the South into Santa Barbara County on Easter Sunday. While there should be less activity across San Luis Obispo county it cannot be ruled out for Sunday but overall activity we'll begin to wane.
As for new additional rainfall light amounts to 1/2 of an inch will be common across the area with more possible in Santa Barbara County.
I highly recommend watching the attached video for a full explanation about what is coming in the forecast.
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Update from KSBY Meteorologist Dave Hovde 8:55pm
The marine warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms and potential waterspouts has been extended until 10:15pm.
Heavy rain continues to fall across SLO County. Rocky Butte is nearing 3" of rain, Cambria 1.19. Morro Bay and Los Osos between 1-2" right now. Cal Poly about 1". But the 5 Cities is still near .50". Santa Maria with less than .25". Santa Barbara has about .40" downtown with the hills .50-1".
Update from KSBY Meteorologist Dave Hovde 8:02pm
The moderate to heavy rain continues across SLO County. As of 8pm, the SLO County north coast has picked up more than an inch of rain and Rocky Butte has 2.6".
Morro Bay has more than 1" of rain and SLO is also near 1".
Rainfall falls off south of the 5 Cities falls off to lighter totals. The exception is the Southcoast in SB County where .25-.75" has fallen.
Again this is early in the weekend forecast.
Update from KSBY Meteorologist Dave Hovde 5:49pm
An areal flood advisory has been issued until 12:15a for all of SLO County and parts of northern SB County for expected areas of flooding on roadways and small streams. .25-.50"/hour rain rates could hit .75"/Hr. at times.
Do NOT drive into flooded areas or any moving water.
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The weather conditions have been deteriorating Friday as a strong storm arrives on the California coastline.
Rain began for some in the early afternoon and more rain and growing rain intensity is in the forecast for the evening and overnight.
Not only will rain come down but thunderstorms are possible and winds will also be high Friday night into early Saturday morning.
There is a wind advisory for coastal winds that could gust to 45mph until 12a. In the SLO County Mountains, the high wind warning is in place until 3 am for gusts that could reach 60.
The Storm Prediction Center has identified our area as having thunderstorm potential today, tomorrow, and Sunday.
Thunderstorms introduce opportunities for higher rain rates (up to 1” per hour), hail, high winds, waterspouts and even tornadoes.
Rainfall amounts through the weekend are still expected to be in the .50-2.5” range with 3-5” in some area hills and wind-facing slopes.
Due to this, there is an areal flood advisory through the entire storm for the potential for flooding in flood prone-areas. Do NOT drive into any standing or moving water as this introduces risk to your life.
There is a winter storm warning in place for the Santa Barbara County Mountains. Above 6000ft several feet of snow is possible but 2-6" is possible between 4500-5000ft.
There is also a high surf advisory thru the weekend for waves 8-12ft with max sets to 15ft.
While Friday night into Saturday morning looks active. More scattered rain and thunderstorms develop on Saturday. The activity shifts south into Sunday but more scattered rain is still possible even though the coverage will diminish on Easter Sunday.
Monday through Wednesday look to see some warming. Tuesday and Wednesday some temps could hit the mid-70s before another potential system around the 5th or 6th. We’ll tackle that after we get through this system.
