Flash flood warning issued for SLO County

January 31, 2016

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for all of San Luis Obispo County from 9:40 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service says the brunt of the storm is expected to be felt during a six-hour period Sunday morning and afternoon, with rainfall totals of as much as three quarters of an inch to an inch per hour. The rainfall may cause flash flooding and mud and debris flows in and below recent burn areas, according to the warning.

“Flash flooding in the Cuesta burn area is expected to begin shortly…or may already be occurring,” according to the report.

Because most flood deaths occur in vehicles, the National Weather Service is asking motorist who encounter flooded roads, to turn around.

The storm is also expected to create high surf along the Central Coast with waves of 8 to 10 feet in the morning and 10 to 15 feet in the evening. The report warns that “extremely, rough waves and very strong rip currents will increase the risk of ocean drowning. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties.”