More rain coming to SLO County today as flood watch continues. Here’s what to expect
Keep your umbrellas handy, San Luis Obispo County — the region is in for another day of rain.
On Wednesday, a mudslide blocked a Highway 101 off-ramp in Paso Robles, and flooding closed part of Highway 1 in Oceano.
The storm could cause more flooding on Thursday, especially in low-lying areas, according to the National Weather Service.
The Weather Service placed a flood watch on much of Southern California until 4 a.m. Friday, including San Luis Obispo County’s beaches, the inland Central Coast, interior valleys and mountains.
The heaviest rain potential was focused on Santa Barbara County and northern Ventura County. Oxnard recorded more than 3 inches of rain in one hour overnight, according to the Weather Service.
The Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for Santa Barbara County.
Meanwhile, San Luis Obispo can expect a full day of rain on Thursday, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Here's the latest Excessive Rainfall Outlooks from our friends at @NWSWPC.
Moderate risk of excessive rainfall will continue thru Thursday night. Flooding issues will continue to be the main concern for #SoCal thru Thursday night or Friday. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/juUqbdV4Xj— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 20, 2023
Rain showers and the threat of thunderstorms will continue through Thursday night, accompanied by east winds of about 15 mph.
Paso Robles faces an 80% chance of rain on Thursday, with the potential for between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of rain, the National Weather Service said.
On Thursday, heavy rain falling in the La Planza Mountain range flowed into Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake.
The Weather Service also predicted a 50% chance of showers in Paso Robles before 4 a.m. overnight into Friday.
The chance of rain was listed at 90% for San Luis Obispo on Thursday with up to 0.75 inches possible.
In SLO, the rain storm will taper off on Friday, with a 40% chance of rain and northeast winds of 15 mph in the morning and less than a tenth of an inch of rain expected. The rain should subside by Friday evening.
Paso Robles is expected to receive even less rain than San Luis Obispo on Friday, with the sun breaking through the clouds after about 10 a.m., the Weather Service said.
Three warming centers open across the county
Three warming centers will be open on Thursday night during the rain storm.
In San Luis Obispo, the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center will open its warming center on Thursday evening. The center is located at 40 Prado Road, and check-in lasts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to SLO County’s emergency preparedness website.
In South County, St. John’s Lutheran Church welcomed folks to check in to its warming center from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The warming center is located at 959 Valley Road in Arroyo Grande.
Finally, in Paso Robles, Plymouth Congregational Church opened a warming center at 1301 Oak Hill Road. Check in lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
