Update Oct. 13, 11:28 p.m.: The National Weather Service sent out an emergency alert to San Luis Obispo residents at 11:22 p.m. issuing a tornado warning until 12:15 a.m. This story was updated at 11:28 p.m. to add additional context about the tornado warning.
San Luis Obispo County issued an emergency flash flood warning Monday. A large storm clouding the Central Coast started Monday afternoon and brought in heavy rains of up to one-and-a-half inches. Rains are expected to flow through Tuesday afternoon, according to Ready SLO. Other warnings were issued for periods of thunder and lightning, and gusts of wind.
Ready SLO additionally reported winds up to 60 mph that may cause damage to trees and power lines. According to PG&E, a power outage is reported to affect over 3,400 customers in the San Luis Obispo Area.
According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms on Monday night were capable of producing a tornado eight miles southwest of Morro Bay and up to 23 miles southwest of Pismo Beach. Thunderstorms were reportedly moving northeast at 20 mph at 11:21 p.m. Monday.
In the event of a tornado, the National Weather Service recommended moving to a basement or indoors to the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
San Luis Obispo Emergency Services Coordinator Anita Konopa told Mustang News that the administration is issuing a shelter-in-place warning for residents in areas with burn scars. Residents are suggested to shelter in place at home and avoid driving and entering areas of high risk.
According to the SLO Office of Community Services, areas affected by burn scars in the Gifford and Madre fires are at highest risk for flood watch. Rains began around 6 p.m. and are expected to pass through quickly Tuesday afternoon. Rains are likely to become heavy throughout Monday night.
READ MORE: Gifford Fire is now biggest blaze this year
The warnings are expected to end around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, after a morning of heavy showers. According to KSBY, causes for heavy rains are traced to a cold front causing lower temperatures on Monday and Tuesday which is expected to hit the Central Coast Monday evening.
In areas without burn scars, warnings are low-level. Urban areas will be on watch for possible flooding. More mountainous areas are expected to receive up to three inches of rain while the coast will see around an inch, according to KSBY.
Areas with burn scars experience changes in vegetation and soil absorption, which puts them at high risk for flash floods and debris flows. Areas downstream and with steep terrain are more vulnerable to floods.
The National Weather Service website states, “If you can look uphill from where you are and see a burnt-out area, you are at risk.”
The Office of Emergency Services advises individuals to stay aware and cautious despite any lag of updates or notices from officials.
