Heavy Rain — San Luis Obispo, California

2004-12-30 to 2004-12-31 · near Countywide, San Luis Obispo, California

Wider weather episode

A powerful Pacific storm brought more heavy rain, snow and flash flooding to Central and Southern California. Total rainfall amounts ranged from 1 to 3 inches on the coastal plain to between 3 and 6 inches in the mountains. The heavy rain resulted in numerous reports of urban and rural flooding. Flash flooding closed Highway 101 at Gaviota. In Lopez Canyon near Paso Robles, a 62 year old man was swept down a flooded creek and was presumed dead. In the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, snow levels dropped to around 4500 feet, resulting in snow accumulations between 8 and 16 inches. Gusty south to southeast winds between 25 and 40 mph produced mountain visibilities near zero in blowing snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5430717. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.