Storm Slams Into SLO County

The storm dubbed the “Pineapple Express” delivered a one, two Hawaiian Punch in San Luis Obispo County Thursday night with powerful wind and heavy rain that kicked up big, dangerous surf closing piers, knocking down trees and power lines.

The heavy surf forced local authorities to close piers at Pismo Beach and Avila Beach for obvious public safety reasons.

Strong, gusty winds sent waves pounding against the breakwater in Morro Bay to the delight of many who came out to brave the elements and the risk.

“We came to see how big the waves were”, said Megan Clapp and Haley Leurck who were among many on the rocks near the breakwater, “we were at the top of Black Hill and we saw the waves and we decided to come down here, we found this nice little cove that blocks us from the wind.”

Those who live next to the water say they welcome the rain but were caught a little offguard by powerful winds.

“Its the worst one I think I’ve seen”, says Ed Edwards who lives on the beach in Morro Bay, “I’ve seen it once before, probably 15 years ago, rain came in, but not so much wind, it just beat on all the windows of the house and I thought they were going to cave in.”

The gusty winds knocked down trees and power lines all over the Central Coast keeping are keeping Caltrans and PG&E crews busy throughout the night.

Law enforcement and first responders are also out and about responding to numerous accidents and flooding that has made driving conditions very dangerous.

Check the CHP and Caltrans websites for updates on highways and roads in San Luis Obispo County that may be closed or affected by the storm.