Big waves, heavy rain and gusty winds: Here’s the latest forecast for SLO County

Gusty winds, big waves and widespread rain showers are headed to San Luis Obispo County as a severe winter storm sweeps through California, according to the National Weather Service.

On Thursday, the agency issued a wind advisory for parts of the Central Coast, followed closely by a high surf advisory.

The region will likely see moderate to heavy rain Friday through Sunday, with “significant snow” at higher elevations, the weather service said in a Tuesday post on X.

Here’s what to expect.

Wind advisory issued for SLO County

Winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected to sweep through the mountains and interior valleys of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties later this week, the weather service said, with gusts of up to 50 mph.

The wind advisory will remain in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday for communities including Carrizo Plain, Creston, Shandon, La Panza Range and Santa Margarita Lake.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the weather service said in its advisory, telling travelers to “use extra caution when driving. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”

Light snowfall is expected for elevations above 5,500 feet, the agency said.

Central Coast beaches under high surf advisory

Also on Thursday, the weather service issued a high surf advisory for beaches in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, predicting large breaking waves of 10 to 18 feet with dangerous rip currents.

That advisory will remain in effect from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday.

“Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea,” the weather service said. “Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore. “

Although “very minor flooding” is possible around high tide in low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches and walkways, the agency said, “significant damage to roads or structures is not expected.”

What’s in the weather forecast for SLO County?

Stormy weather is expected to arrive San Luis Obispo County on Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast.

The agency predicted a 30% chance of rain on Thursday in San Luis Obispo, mainly after 4 p.m., with less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation possible.

More rain was expected Thursday night, mainly after 10 p.m., along with a low temperature of 50 degrees and winds of 10 to 15 mph, the forecast said. Between a quarter and a half of an inch of rain could fall overnight.

On Friday, the rain will begin in earnest, the weather service said, with a quarter to half of an inch to precipitation possible. Wind gusts could reach 20 mph during the day and 30 mph at night.

The high temperature will be near 60 degrees and a low temperature around 50 degrees, according to the forecast.

Saturday also promises to deliver consistent showers with a high near 57 and a low around 46. Winds will be around 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Skies start to clear after 10 a.m. Sunday, which will be mostly sunny with a high near 60 and a low around 40.

Monday will also be mostly sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 42.

There’s a slight chance of rain Tuesday and Wednesday, when highs will be in the low 60s and lows in the 40s.

Rain is also expected in Paso Robles and Pismo Beach between Thursday evening and Sunday morning, the weather service said.