Another storm is causing a flood watch for the Central Coast from Wednesday through Thursday morning.
On Tuesday morning the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Watch for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. The watch is expected to take place on Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible within the entire Watch area, with the greatest threat near and below the Alisal burn scar and in urban areas," the NWS states.
Significant flash flooding and debris flows are possible, especially in and below the Alisal burn scar. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and urban areas. While the risk of main stem river flooding is low, water flowing through normally dry rivers may be a threat to some homeless communities, the NWS reports.
An atmospheric river is pushing through the region Wednesday night into Thursday morning with support periods of heavy rainfall with rates up to around an inch per hour. This has prompted concern for flooding and flash flooding across the region.
Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches will be common with 4-8 inches expected in the mountains, highest across the Santa Lucia mountains and Santa Ynez mountains east into south facing interior Santa Barbara mountains.
"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepare to take action should flooding develop," the NWS reports.
Additionally, a beach hazards alert is also in effect from Wednesday through Friday along the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles county coastlines.
High surf is expected for all beach areas Thursday and Friday, with the potential for a warning level surf along the Ventura Coast. Surf heights of 8 to 12 feet are possible for the Los Angeles and Ventura coasts, with potential for sets to 15 feet near Ventura Harbor. Surf heights of 6-10 feet are possible along the Santa Barbara South Coast as well.
The large surf along the Ventura Coast may result in minor coastal flooding, especially late Thursday and Friday.
There is an increased risk of ocean drowning in these conditions. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.
The NWS asks everyone to remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, so stay off the rocks.
Heavy rain is expected countywide Wednesday, January 4th and Thursday January 5th, 2023. The heaviest rainfall is expected on the South Coast including the Alisal Burn Scar, Thomas Fire Burn Scar, and the Cave Fire Burn Scar. The most significant rainfall is expected from 10PM January 4th through 10AM January 5th.
Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and outdoor furniture. Unplanned power outages are possible.
Current forecasts indicate this storm may cause significant flooding countywide. Residents should remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly.
Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm and working closely with the National Weather Service. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place are necessary.
Register for Emergency Alerts to receive any changes in protective actions.
Stay safe everyone. Parts of Northern California got absolutely walloped with more to come. This next storm has a very strong wind component too.
Stay safe everyone. Parts of Northern California got absolutely walloped with more to come. This next storm has a very strong wind component too.
For the weather geeks out there, go to the county rain gauge map here: https://rain.cosbpw.net/ Then select the “1 hr” option which will conveniently display the precipitation rate in units of inches per hour. You will be able to see where trouble is developing, especially if you live in a drainage where the rate starts approaching or exceeding the 1”/hr range.
For the weather geeks out there, go to the county rain gauge map here:
Then select the “1 hr” option which will conveniently display the precipitation rate in units of inches per hour. You will be able to see where trouble is developing, especially if you live in a drainage where the rate starts approaching or exceeding the 1”/hr range.
Thank you very much for this excellent resource!
Thank you very much for this excellent resource!
San Francisco almost matched its wettest day recorded. "As of 5 p.m. local time, [Sat. Dec. 31,] 5.45 inches of rain had been reported in downtown San Francisco -- making it the second-wettest day in the area since records began in 1849." More fun stuff under Dashboards. Cameras of creeks & debris basins: https://rain.cosbpw.net/dashboard/?dashboard=5128ecf0-0834-41ae-ba52-1e9768f977dc Some stream flow gauges, though I'm not conversant with this portion and they've changed the user interface: https://rain.cosbpw.net/dashboard/?dashboard=f25266d4-47c2-4950-bc1c-d24a7e3b8f61
San Francisco almost matched its wettest day recorded. "As of 5 p.m. local time, [Sat. Dec. 31,] 5.45 inches of rain had been reported in downtown San Francisco -- making it the second-wettest day in the area since records began in 1849."
More fun stuff under Dashboards. Cameras of creeks & debris basins: https://rain.cosbpw.net/dashboard/?dashboard=5128ecf0-0834-41ae-ba52-1e9768f977dc
Some stream flow gauges, though I'm not conversant with this portion and they've changed the user interface: https://rain.cosbpw.net/dashboard/?dashboard=f25266d4-47c2-4950-bc1c-d24a7e3b8f61
It's "Real Time Stream Stage Table" Second choice on the menu on the left of the home page.
It's "Real Time Stream Stage Table" Second choice on the menu on the left of the home page.
Also "USGS Stream Gauges" That's the good one. Lots to review and play with on that page during a storm!
Also "USGS Stream Gauges" That's the good one. Lots to review and play with on that page during a storm!
Heavy rains, slides, and flooding have been occurring per since I can remember (60years).
Heavy rains, slides, and flooding have been occurring per since I can remember (60years).
Rain If the rain comes They run and hide their heads They might as well be dead If the rain comes If the rain comes When the sun shines They slip into the shade (when the sun shines down) And sip their lemonade (when the sun shines down) When the sun shines When the sun shines Rain I don't mind Shine The weather's fine I can show you That when it starts to rain (when the rain comes down) Everything the same (when the rain comes down) I can show you I can show you Rain I don't mind Shine The weather's fine Can you hear me? That when it rains and shines (when it rains and shines) It's just a state of mind (when it rains and shines) Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Sdeah reit edih dna nur yeht Semoc niar eht fi (rain) Niar (rain) Seni nus (rain) - 1966 by The Beatles -
If the rain comes They run and hide their heads They might as well be dead If the rain comes If the rain comes
When the sun shines They slip into the shade (when the sun shines down) And sip their lemonade (when the sun shines down) When the sun shines When the sun shines
Rain I don't mind Shine The weather's fine
I can show you That when it starts to rain (when the rain comes down) Everything the same (when the rain comes down) I can show you I can show you
Rain I don't mind Shine The weather's fine
Can you hear me? That when it rains and shines (when it rains and shines) It's just a state of mind (when it rains and shines) Can you hear me? Can you hear me?
Sdeah reit edih dna nur yeht Semoc niar eht fi (rain) Niar (rain) Seni nus (rain)
Awesome storm - its biggest impact here might be the giant swell it generates. Check it out tomorrow.
Awesome storm - its biggest impact here might be the giant swell it generates. Check it out tomorrow.
Way back in the 1860s there was a perfect convergence of heavy snow pack and atmospheric river events that resulted in a tremendous Central Valley flood: https://www.activenorcal.com/remembering-the-great-flood-that-put-northern-california-under-30-feet-of-water/ It’s only a matter of time before all the weather variables line up again to produce an event like what happened in the winter of 1861-1862. There’s a reason why we have dams in this state for flood control.
Way back in the 1860s there was a perfect convergence of heavy snow pack and atmospheric river events that resulted in a tremendous Central Valley flood:
https://www.activenorcal.com/remembering-the-great-flood-that-put-northern-california-under-30-feet-of-water/
It’s only a matter of time before all the weather variables line up again to produce an event like what happened in the winter of 1861-1862.
There’s a reason why we have dams in this state for flood control.
Thanks for the link to that story, Shasta Guy.
Thanks for the link to that story, Shasta Guy.
Better rain amount tracking, I think, from Ventura County. Just drag to SB area. Turn on Statewide rain totals layer as well: https://www.vcwatershed.net/fws/rain-map/#
Better rain amount tracking, I think, from Ventura County. Just drag to SB area. Turn on Statewide rain totals layer as well: https://www.vcwatershed.net/fws/rain-map/#
Right on time, strong rain at 9:59.
Right on time, strong rain at 9:59.
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