Monterey and King street were shut down Monday as storms created unsafe driving conditions. Highway 1 was also briefly closed due to flooding. It has since been reopened.
Monterey Street between Santa Rosa and Osos, was closed, along with portions of sidewalk in front of and across from the Fremont Theater, Tuesday morning according to the SLO Fire Department. The street closed after a portion of the Fremont Theater’s iconic vertical marquee broke off during the previous night’s thunderstorm.
Monterey wasn’t the only street affected by the storms. South Street was shut down Tuesday night when lightning struck three utility poles, taking down one of the poles along with a tree near the South Street intersection with King Street during last night’s storm. Monterey Street reopened after the debris was cleared from the street Tuesday. Workers also inspected the potential for further damage on the sign according to the SLO Tribune.
South Street remained closed Wednesday as PG&E works to replace the pole. According to the SLO fire department a detour is open on Branch between Hutton and Harris and a replacement for the pole is expected to be completed by Wednesday evening..
The SLO fire department is urging drivers to “turn around, don’t drown,” as a part of a safety campaign to promote safe driving during the current rainy weather. The campaign reminds drivers that “it takes only 12-18 inches of flowing water to carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs.”
In three days, San Luis Obispo received 3.16 inches of rain according to SLO Public Works. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service placed portions of California, including San Luis Obispo, on a wind advisory . The National Weather Service is also expecting San Luis Obispo to see more rain fall tomorrow and possible thunderstorms tomorrow night.
This is an ongoing story. Mustang News will update the article as we receive updates.