SLO County could see ‘small tornado’ as new storm hits region, National Weather Service says

After seeing hail and snow earlier this year, San Luis Obispo County could experience another unusual weather phenomenon: a tornado.

SLO County is forecast to see strong winds, lighting and hail from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said via Twitter, along with a “remote chance of a small, short-lived tornado or waterspout.”

There’s also a risk of “spinning thunderstorms,” which are caused by rapidly changing winds and unstable air, the agency said.

“If strong winds or a tornado occurs, find shelter in the most interior room of a building and stay away from windows,” the Weather Service said.

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for SLO County on Wednesday afternoon and evening, the agency said.

The county could get 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunshine is expected to break through the clouds on Thursday morning, with sunny skies predicted for the rest of the week, the Weather Service said.