Drivers on the roadway should be on the lookout for rain and be prepared for hazardous conditions, as rain returns to the Central Coast Saturday and Sunday.
Some local drivers say they are ready for the wet weather.
“I’m feeling really excited about it," Los Osos resident Sarah Halpern said. "Our front yard is all oak trees and they’re desperate for that rain.”
Others say colder conditions are a reminder of what mother nature is capable of doling out.
“I was in the evacuation at Fremont from the mudslides when I started college, so definitely not a fan of that and it definitely can happen because that year we had a lot of rain," San Luis Obispo resident Hannah Hall said.
Pismo Beach city leaders said they plan to monitor the hillside burned in the Avila Fire, but also say that small, less frequent rain can help re-establish and prevent future mudslides.
On the roadways, California Highway Patrol officers said safety is key, and urge drivers and passengers to remember to wear a seat belt.
"Slow down, allow yourself some extra time to get to where you’re going and just make sure that you’re driving at a speed that’s safe for those roadway conditions," said Mike Poelking, the CHP SLO public information officer.
The first rain can cause slick surfaces and often dangerous driving conditions.
“Something to do combat that slickness is simply slowdown," Poelking said.
With the recent time change, less daylight which can impact visibility on the roadways.
Reeves Auto Repair Shop in San Luis Obispo says now is the time to get vehicle maintenance done, to avoid risk of spin-outs and fishtails. They typically see many people getting ready for Thanksgiving trips who need maintenance on their vehicles.
Auto Repair Shop owner John Reeves says people should check to make sure their wiper fluids, wiper blades, and tires are up-to-date and working properly.
Reeves recommends drivers make maintence appointments sooner rather than later to avoid delays.
“Plan ahead. Some shops book out a week in advance or so, so if you want to go to your favorite shop, call ahead and we’ll be happy to take care of you," Reeves said.
In north San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles residents are preparing for storms and potential floods. Empty sandbags will be available for purchase as safety measures to mitigate chances of flooding from the rain.
They will be available at the following locations:
- Burt Industrial Supply, 2125 Golden Hill Road
- Lowe’s, 2445 Golden Hill Road
- Blake’s Hardware, 1701 Riverside Avenue
- Farm Supply, 2450 Ramada Drive
