An atmospheric river is expected to hit California this week, bringing up to four inches of rain to San Luis Obispo County. According to the National Weather Service, “Any thunderstorm that may form may be accompanied by lightning, locally gusty winds, heavy downpours and/or small hail.”
Showers will arrive Wednesday evening around 5 p.m., lasting until Sunday.
Atmospheric rivers tend to drop more rain in short periods of time. The New York Times reported these spurts are “a common feature of the West Coast’s winter wet season that pulls tropical moisture from warmer waters and wrings it out over the rugged coastal terrain and the Sierra Nevada.”
In January 2023, the first two days of winter quarter classes were canceled due to extreme weather and flood warnings across San Luis Obispo county. Former President Joe Biden visited northern California and near the Central Coast after declaring a major disaster due to uncharacteristically heavy storms ravaging the coast.
San Luis Obispo is still recovering from the impacts of the January 2023 storms.
READ MORE: The following winter: How SLO is preparing for storms after 2023 floods
The Salinas Reservoir, one of the city’s primary water sources, is currently at 83% capacity, compared to 90% this time last year.
For the week, there is an anticipated low of 43 degrees fahrenheit, and a high of 69 degrees fahrenheit.
Local news officials also warned about debris from burn scar areas from the Madre and Gifford fires this summer.
READ MORE: Gifford Fire is now biggest blaze this year
In an interview with the SLO Tribune, National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld said, “Prepare for rain. That means clearing out gutters and setting up your property to be ready.”