High Wind — Santa Lucia Mountains, California

2023-01-09 to 2023-01-10 · Santa Lucia Mountains, California

Event narrative

Strong southerly winds, gusting in excess of 60 MPH, impacted the Santa Lucia Mountains in San Luis Obispo county. Some peak gusts from the local mesonet: Adelaida (gust 75 MPH), TV Tower (gust 66 MPH) and Camino Del Capitan (gust 69 MPH).

Wider weather episode

A powerful atmospheric river brought heavy rainfall, widespread flooding and gusty winds to the area. Rainfall totals generally ranged from 2-6 inches across the coastal and valley areas with 6-16 inches across the mountains and foothills. With the heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, especially across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Strong southerly winds, gusting up to 94 MPH, were reported across the area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079004. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.