Rainy weather hits the Five Cities

Rainy weather slowed down business and traffic in the Five Cities area Thursday afternoon.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, 1/5 of an inch of rain had fallen on some areas, with others receiving more.

In downtown Avila Beach, city crews worked in the downpour all afternoon in an attempt to keep First Street clear of flooding. Even small amounts of rain can turn the intersection of First Street and San Francisco in to an area some locals refer to as “Avila Lake.”

“How does it affect our business? Let’s just say not too many people will be renting bikes today,” says Debbie Brunsting at Pedego Bikes. “Hopefully people are still in the festive spirit, go for a wine tasting, perhaps buy a bike.”

Rainy weather also slowed down roads in town and highway 101.

“Right when it starts raining, you’ll hear the sirens kick in,” says Tyler Hall, who lives in Pismo Beach. “It all comes down to distance and speed, and people need to be extra careful out there today (Thursday).”