Central Coast Storm Update: Transitioning to Showers and Gusty Winds
The Central Coast is experiencing a shift in the weather pattern as the cold front associated with the recent storm system pushes through the region. While the heaviest rain has passed most of SLO County, we're not quite done with the wet weather just yet in Santa Barbara County. Expect continued showers and a transition to gusty west to northwest winds.
Current Conditions
The cold front is currently moving through Santa Barbara County and is expected to clear the entire region by 5 PM today. As the front passes, the rain will transition to showers. There is still plenty of moisture and instability in the atmosphere, which will keep showers going through the overnight hours.
These showers will taper off from northwest to southeast later Friday morning and into the afternoon.
Impacts
- Rainfall: While the heaviest rain has ended, expect continued showers through tonight and into Friday. Additional rainfall amounts will be generally light, with less than a quarter inch expected.
- Winds: Gusty west to northwest winds will develop behind the front, with wind advisories possibly needed in some areas, particularly near the coast.
- Temperatures: Temperatures will gradually warm over the next few days, reaching the mid 60s by Friday. However, temperatures will remain a few degrees below normal for this time of year.
- High surf: All the wind of Thursday has put a lot of energy in the water. So, even though the storm has moved on the waves will continue to smash the coast thru Friday into early Saturday:
Extended Outlook
Dry conditions are expected for the weekend and should continue into next week. A much-needed break in the active weather is on tap with this extended period of dry conditions. Temperatures will gradually warm, reaching the mid 60s to lower 70s by Sunday, and eventually climbing into the upper 60s to mid 70s by the middle of next week. Some morning clouds are possible along the Central Coast and the Los Angeles County coast, but otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies.
Stay Informed
While the heaviest rain has passed, it's important to stay informed about the potential for gusty winds and continued showers. Be sure to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions.
Here are a few links that will be helpful today.
Below you will find our coverage through the day, and our forecasts preceding the storm.
We are also working on total rainfall updates and wind reports:
Here is a look at some of the peak one-minute sustained winds:
Here is a look at some of the peak wind gusts for the storm:
Here are some rain totals as of 3pm:
———-2:11pm update from Chief Meteorologist Dave Hovde——-
———12:30 p.m. update from Meteorologist Vivian Rennie———
Another set of strong storms is causing concern as it pushes south into the 5 Cities and Santa Maria. This will transit south through 1 p.m. eventually bringing more heavy rain to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Strong winds up to 55 mph and pea-sized hail is expected.
———10:30 a.m. update from Meteorologists Vivian Rennie and Dave Hovde———
——— 9:40 a.m. Update from Meteorologist Vivian Rennie ———
As expected a Flood Advisory has been issued for all of Santa Barbara County.
Expect localized flooding caused by heavy rain. Minor flooding is likely in low-lying and poorly-drained areas, intersections, and urban flooding prone spots.
———7:30 a.m. update From Meteorologist Vivian Rennie ———
———Original story and full forecast———The storm pushing through is a marginal atmospheric river event bringing a plume of moisture that will be impactful across the region. The greatest concern will fall as the cold front passes through in the morning on Thursday. Heavy rain and a core of strong winds is expected. Here is what the storm looks like in satellite imagery.
The cold front will reach the northern SLO county communities by 8 a.m. and press south through the mid morning into the early afternoon.
This front will bring the band of heaviest rain and strongest winds. In advance of that a Flood Advisory has been issued for all of SLO county. It is only in place through 6 p.m. As the front pushes through you can expect very strong winds (up to 60 mph) rain accumulations up to half an inch per hour (that is heavy enough for widespread pooling on roads) .
With that front winds up to 60 mph will push through. This has prompted a High Wind Warning for all of San Luis Obispo county as well as the interiors of Santa Barbara County. A High Wind Advisory is in place for Western Santa Barbara County and the South Coast with winds up to 45 mph.
While we are on alerts... a High Surf Advisory is in place for all of our beaches through Saturday afternoon. Breaking waves 10-15 ft with local sets up to 18 ft are expected.
Over an inch of rain has already fallen and much more is on the way. Most communities will see a 1.25" to 3" more rain with the highest elevations making a play for 5" to 8" more rain.
Back to the nuts and bolts of the forecast. Today's highs will be near 60 with lots of rain keeping us cool.
Once the scattered showers clear out Friday evening a large high pressure system is headed our way! Temps will warm and sunshine is the story through the weekend and into next week.
Have a great day! Stay safe and be sure to stay weather-aware!
