Rain, thunder, gusts and even snow possible Tuesday on the Central Coast

11:30 AM Update:
The latest model run (18Z HRRR) is in for the Central Coast's current storm. Here is what we can expect.
The snow elevation is still falling quickly and will likely be as low as 1500" by late this evening. This will allow for measurable snowfall and ice to accumulate in interior valleys.
This afternoon there is a chance for some possible thunderstorm development that may raise a few rain accumulation totals.
By the evening commute there is a chance for some sleet to start falling in the interior valleys. The good news there is that this impact should be minimal as our roads will still be warm enough to minimize impact.
Overnight more snow and rain is possible although it will tail off quickly through the overnight. Either way the morning commute Wednesday could be tricky so plan on extra time.
By Wednesday afternoon the system will clear and we will see cold but sunny conditions.

Happy Tuesday Central Coast!
The storm system that we have been talking about for the past week is finally here. We will see drastic changes in our conditions today as a cold front plunges into our region.
For a current look at our radar visit this link.
Tuesday morning rain began light on our western coasts but will become a bit better developed with scattered showers by mid day. The challenge mixes in when the cold front this is all associated with begins to dip south slightly and cause the snow level to drop. Within most Central Coast storms that level is around 4000 ft in elevation. As the day today goes on our snow level will drop down to 1500-2000ft. This could cause some snow to accumulate on the high elevations around the Central Coast.

1-3" of snow may accumulate on some of the highest peaks in Santa Barbara county and some ice may accumulate on interior roadways as well.
Take extra caution on high elevation roads and while on these highways

• HWY166 in Cuyama Valley
• HWY 154 in Santa Barbara County
• 101 in Northern San Luis Obispo County
• San Luis Obispo county Highways 41, 46, and 58

We have several other alerts in effect right now.

The wind advisory in effect for our southcoast is for NW-N winds that will be sustained 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35mph. Even if you are not part of the advisory area most of the central coast will see gusty conditions just under advisory criteria.
We are also in the marginal category for thunderstorms today. This is a 1/5 on the Storm Prediction Center scale. That indicated that we have all the 'ingredients' that we need to create some thunderstorms in our region as these scattered storms roll through.
As far as temperatures go, highs will only be in the 50s in the mid day hours before cooling down below freezing by the morning hours Wednesday.

By Wednesday morning precipitation chances will dwindle but temperatures will be very cold as people get on the roads. Thankfully it looks to be mainly dry. That being said some slick spots are likely for the morning commute.
For the rest of the week we will see warming consistently alongside lots of sunshine. We will be back to the upper 60s and even some 70s by the end of the weekend.

On an active weather day like this be sure to have multiple ways to get alerts. One way is using theKSBY Microclimate Weather App. More information on the app can be found here.
Have a great Tuesday Central Coast. Stay safe!