Edhat Staff
Update by the National Weather Service
January 22, 2024
Showers and possible thunderstorms will continue today [Monday], then decrease tonight into Tuesday. Slow down on the roads and plan for extra commute time.
By the edhat staff
January 19, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts two separate rainstorms to land along the Central Coast Friday evening through Monday.
Light rain is expected on Friday evening with intensity to pick up on Saturday. Light rain will continue to Monday when a heavier storm will pass with the potential to bring thunderstorms.
NWS predicts Santa Barbara will receive close to three inches of rain this weekend with Santa Ynez expecting 2.5 inches and Pine Mountain close to four inches.
Thunderstorm potential is 17% on the South Coast while Santa Maria and Lompoc jump to a 20% chance.
A High Surf Advisory is also in effect for coastal beaches beginning Friday through Sunday evening.
Large breaking waves can peak at 10-14 feet on Saturday then slowly subside through Sunday. NWS states it will be highest on west-facing beaches with dangerous rip currents expected.
“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore,” NWS states.
It’s advised to remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions so stay off the rocks.
I discounted this storm until this morning. Went from .02 to almost an inch since 1 a.m. Mnday.
Forecast of a big storm Jan. 30 – Feb. 3. It’s good to be prepared. I was shocked when I saw the news of San Diego flooding!
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/cpc_key_messages/CPC-Key-Message-1.png
“These areas picked up 2 to 4 inches of rain, much of which fell in just three hours.”
https://weather.com/news/weather/news/2024-01-22-california-rain-flooding-landslides-evacuations-rescues
Such a mushy forecast! Yesterday NWS had us at 70% chance of rain. Now it’s 90%/80%/60% tonight, Saturday and Sat. night. It’s dry outside at 9:30, I don’t expect much from this storm.
It all makes sense when you realize it’s our rainy season.