Rainfall amounts have been steady so far Wednesday morning, but the conditions are expected to intensify throughout the morning commute.
A strong rain cell is covering San Luis Obispo County and the northern area of Santa Barbara County.
Today is the day. I'm tracking this storm for you on Daybreak and there is a lot you'll want to tune in for. Multiple advisories are in place and wind gusts are already reaching nearly 70 mph. #BeonKSBY #CAWX #CentralCoastWX pic.twitter.com/mbnMZ7EUsU
— Brooke Martell (@BrookeMartell) January 27, 2021
Rain models are showing that the intense rainfall will continue throughout most of Wednesday. Predicted rainfall amounts will likely range from six to ten inches across the Central Coast, with even heavier amounts from eight to 12 inches over the Santa Lucia Mountains.
A high surf advisory will also remain in effect at the coast as breaking waves will range from 10-16 feet. Due to the high surf, a coastal flood advisory has also been issued.
As a result of the intensity of the storm, a flash flood watch is in effect for coastal regions across San Luis Obispo County. The areas that could be heavily impacted include Highway 101 and the burn scar from the Avila Fire.
Another major factor in the forecast will be the wind speeds. A high wind watch and a wind advisory are in place from the coast to the valleys across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. As of 5 a.m., wind speeds were just shy of 60 mph near San Luis Obispo but is likely these winds could peak closer to 70 mph through the day.
