SLO County Emergency Services, law enforcement preparing for rain this week
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – As rain arrived early Monday morning, it began what forecasters are predicting include several days of wet weather throughout most of the week.
With the inclement weather expected this week, San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services, as well as local law enforcement and city governments are asking the public to be prepared for any potential impacts it might bring to the Central Coast.
"This will be the first heavy rains that we'll see this year, and with that, we expect to see anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of rain in totality through Friday," said Scott Jalbert, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director. "We're going to see drizzle like conditions through Wednesday, and then Wednesday through Thursday, we're going to see the heaviest of the rain and potential for localized flooding."
Jallbert added hs and the his office is expecially keeping a close eye on the areas around the Arroyo Grande Creek.
"That's always a concern with the flows that with the sandbar in place and depending how much water we get, and with Lopez Lake being full, we're going to expect to see more water in that area than we normally see," said Jalbert. "Public Works since the March storms have been putting a lot of effort in improving the levee situation. Unfortunately, there's a lot more work that needs to be done, so we're not quite at a position where the levee is back to where it should be. With that, we always have the concern of the levee being compromised and we're always monitoring the conditions."
As the storm hits the Central Coast, Emergency Services is currently coordinating with other local county agencies, along with the Public Works Department, and is monitoring the weather around the clock.
"Our emergency operations center staff is on ready notice in case we have to activate and then we will react to the conditions that we see," said Jalbert.
Jalbert also stressed the importance that people stay informed of weather conditions and to heed all storm-related advice from law enforcement, first responders and other public safety agencies.
"One of the biggest things you can do is your driving conditions," said Jalbert. "There's a saying, turn around, don't drown, and what that means is you don't want to drive through water, especially moving water. It only takes 12 inches of moving water to actually take a vehicle and sweep it away. Unfortunately, last year we had a couple of fatalities in our county that was storm related, and so we just want everyone to be cautious and be aware of the conditions that they see."
The rainy weather arrives exactly one week before Christmas next Monday and comes at a time when roadways are expected to be busier than normal.
"I know that vacation starts for some schools, so I'm assuming that the traffic will start to increase and follow in through through next week," said California Highway Patrol public information officer Angela Molinar. "You should expect a lot more traffic out with all the travel to visit families during the holiday and also the individuals just out for work."
Molinar stressed the most important advice to follow is to drive with extra caution over the next several days.
"First and foremost, we'd like to say, please drive safe in the inclement weather," said Molinar. "Leave a little early. Plan ahead. Slow down. Increase your following distance. Make sure you take your tires that they're properly aired up. Check your windshield wipers and just drive to arrive."
During this week's storm, CHP staffing will remain at normal levels, but will rise to maximum enforcement this weekend and last through the Christmas holiday.
