Rain and Wind Combination Challenges Central Coast Residents

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - After some of the strongest early season rains in recent years, followed by strong winds, there are challenges for residents on the Central Coast this week.

Wind gusts were strong enough to wake people up Thursday morning.

Some backyard umbrellas and deck chairs went flying and tree branches broke.

Leaves are strewn all over many streets.

The Natioinal Weather Service (NWS) says the wind event is "significant." This is only the beginning. A Santa Ana offshore wind shift is expected Thursday night and continue into Saturday. That will hold temperatures in many areas in the low 60's until the first part of the week when they will go into the low 70's.

Specifically the NWS says: One big item of note: Due to all the recent rains, there is a
greater risk of downed trees and powerlines with the winds.

Gusts over 40 miles an hour were in the forecast within the next 24 hours.

An 89-year-old bike rider at Hendry's beach says his ebike make it easier to travel from downtown, through the wind, to the coastline. "And you just you go right through. It doesn't affect this at all because it's so smooth," said Warner Carr. "And this is a very newest type of design. I'm so thrilled with it."

Heading back he was sizing up the conditions. " I'm going to ride the wind now. All the way back. I don't have to worry because it's going to be at my back."

One dog owner decided the rough surf and wet conditions on the sand where she wanted to walk were not quite right for the day. Heather Hambleton said, "the slough has a lot of water in it. And we're grateful for that. We need the water but I think we'll just go to the park instead."

The ocean conditions will also be stirred up. A large northwest swell will continue build across the coastal waters bringing in high surf conditions along the Central Coast.

They will be in the 10-15 foot range. For Ventura surf conditions of 3-6 feet are expected with local sets to 7 feet. This surf conditions will generate dangerous rip currents.