Rain, hail hit SLO County as storm sweeps Central Coast
A minor storm moved across San Luis Obispo County this weekend, bringing with it reports of rain, hail and high winds.
In its forecast discussion, the National Weather Service warned of a slight chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds across the Central Coast through the weekend. Snow levels were expected to drop as low as 3,500 feet during the weather event.
Radar Loop (Valid 504 AM)
Scattered showers moving southeast across the #CentralCoast.
Expect shower activity to increase in coverage thru the day with isolated thunderstorms possible. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PoxeQ6YXqW— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 24, 2024
In San Luis Obispo County, scattered showers were seen throughout the morning Sunday — coalescing into a 10-minute downpour in Atascadero that had pea-sized hail briefly falling from the sky.
As of 12:20 p.m., less than quarter-inch of rain had fallen across most of San Luis Obispo County Saturday and Sunday.
The only exception was in San Simeon where 0.29 inches were reported during that 24-hour period, according to the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Work’s live rainfall data.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm was expected to be capable of producing brief, heavy downpours throughout the day.
Wind advisory issued for SLO County beaches
Meanwhile, a wind advisory was in effect for San Luis Obispo County beaches through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 45 mph were expected in San Luis Obispo County, mainly along its beaches.
The Weather Service warned that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult. Tree limbs could also be blown down and result in power outages, the advisory said.
The wind advisory was expected to expire at 8 p.m.
What’s in the forecast this week?
This weekend’s unsettled weather isn’t expected to last for long.
Warmer and drier weather is forecast for early this week, before another potentially heavy storm system hits next weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the tail end of a weak storm system “will clip the area,” the Weather Service said, which could result in some light rain across San Luis Obispo County.
Rainfall would likely be under 0.1 inches in that storm.
Meanwhile, next weekend’s storm is on track to be significantly bigger, with a high confidence in a 1 to 3 inch rain event, according to the Weather Service.
There’s a potential for even higher amounts during that storm, the Weather Service added.
