High Wind — San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys, California

2008-01-04 · San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys, California

Event narrative

An automated sensor in Atascadero reported sustained winds of 43 mph.

Wider weather episode

In early January, a powerful Pacific storm brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and winter storm conditions to Central and Southern California. Rainfall totals between January 4th and 6th ranged from 2 to 5 inches over coastal areas to 5 to 11 inches in the foothills and mountains. The heaviest rainfall fell over favored south-facing mountain slopes. The total amount of rainfall, combined with rainfall rates around 1 inch per hour, produced numerous reports of flooding as well as mud and debris flows. The mountains received significant snowfall, espeically at the resort levels where 12 to 24 inches of snow fell. Along with the intense precipitation, the storm brought some very strong and gusty southerly winds to the area. The strongest winds were reported across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties as well as all mountain areas. The winds knocked down trees and power lines, producing numerous power outages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 74968. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.