Update: As of 4:54 p.m., a flood advisory has been issued until 7 p.m., impacting a north-central area of San Luis Obispo County, according to the National Weather Service. Doppler radar data suggests “a strong thunderstorm 20 miles east of San Luis Obispo, moving northwest at 20 mph,” according to the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services.
Clarification: The flood precautions are primarily impacting the interior valleys and mountains on the eastern side of San Luis Obispo County, not necessarily the city of San Luis Obispo.
Local residents are urged to be prepared for potential flooding as a flood watch has been issued for Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services.
The National Weather Service (NWS) initially reported the notification, predicting impact on the burn scar of the Hurricane Fire. The scar borders the eastern edge of San Luis Obispo County and Kern County.
The flood watch is expected to be most prominent from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. NWS predicts potential flash flooding and debris flow from excessive rainfall.
The weather service defines a flood watch when conditions may lead to flooding, but it is not certain for a flood to occur.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts a flood map service center to enter your address and see if you are in a flood-prone area.
The majority of Cal Poly’s campus is not prone to flood risk, although there is a flood hazard zone along Highland Drive, affecting Engineering IV up to the southeastern side of Poly Canyon Village, according to the FEMA map.
In the event of a flood, the NWS recommends the following actions:
- Pay attention to local radio, television, internet and social media for emergency notifications.
- Seek higher ground if you are in a low-lying area.
- Obey evacuation orders immediately. Lock your home as you leave and if time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances.
- Stay away from electrical outlets and cords submerged in water.
- Do not walk or drive into flood waters to prevent unsuspecting injuries, drowning or the spread of illness.
