Central Coast: Overnight Severe Thunderstorm & Flood Watches
Tornado warnings expired near midnight; a Severe Thunderstorm Watch continued into early Tuesday. Rain, gusty winds, and flash‑flood risk around burn scars were listed in official updates.
Overnight alerts covered parts of the Central Coast, with watches and warnings focused on strong wind, heavy rain, and debris‑flow risk near recent burn scars. For flood‑control context in the region, see LA County’s flood‑control infrastructure and reservoir response during past events such as Lake Oroville’s rapid rise.
Earlier tornado warnings were listed for coastal communities and later allowed to expire. A running post is available at SLO Tribune on X. Coastal morphology context is covered here: sea‑stacks and shoreline change.
Where alerts were listed
- Flood Watch noted for areas around recent burn scars in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties (evening through Tuesday afternoon).
- Wind Advisory referenced overnight with gusts ~50 mph and sustained around 25 mph.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch mentioned into early Tuesday; tornado warnings earlier expired near midnight.
Official post referenced: SLO Tribune on X.
- Rain rates up to 0.5″/hour within the frontal band; average totals around ~1″; higher on peaks/ridges of the Santa Lucia and Los Padres areas.
- Brief storms possible Tuesday, then improvement with cool temperatures before mid‑week clearing.
- Localized 60–70 mph gust potential was cited in watch/warning language for parts of the region.
- During warnings, move to an interior room on the lowest floor; avoid windows.
- Do not drive across flooded roads; debris flows can occur near burn scars.
- If power outages occur, treat intersections as four‑way stops and report hazards to local authorities.
Quick Check: Are you storm‑ready?
Flood potential near steep terrain and older burn perimeters has been noted in prior events. For California planning debates, see the Delta tunnel discussion. For coastal risk literacy, review tsunami preparedness guidance. Regional storm case studies include Lake Tahoe winter seas.
