SLO Reporter

The City of San Luis Obispo Emergency Services Director has issued a proclamation declaring a local emergency, effective March 9, 2023 at 2 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from March 9 at 4 p.m. until March 11 at 4 a.m. and Wind Advisory from March 9 at 4 p.m. until March 10 at 12 p.m. for San Luis Obispo County. High winds and large amounts of rain are expected and street flooding is likely. 

“The City team is working diligently to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to protect lives and reduce the risk of storm damage,” said City Manager and Emergency Services Director Derek Johnson. “However, we urge residents and business owners to be prepared for the possibility of flooding and take necessary precautions to protect their property and ensure their safety. Businesses in flood-prone areas should consider installing flood gates in advance of possible flooding.”

Please take the following precautions during the storm:

• Avoid non-essential travel during the peak of the storm.
  • If you must drive during the storm, use extra caution, leave early, slow down and use your headlights.
  • DO NOT cross flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Anyone in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action should flooding develop (downtown businesses should consider installing flood gates in advance).
• Have flashlights and batteries handy and avoid using candles if the power goes out.
• Stock an emergency supply kit for your home and your vehicle.
• Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers and move them to higher levels of your home.
• Monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.

City officials and staff are preparing for a series of two atmospheric river storms forecasted to bring multiple inches of rain each to San Luis Obispo between Thursday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 15. Excessive runoff may result in dangerous flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. This includes the San Luis Obispo Creek and Prefumo Creek. 

On March 1, the Governor of California also proclaimed a storm state of emergency to support storm response and relief efforts in San Luis Obispo County and activated the California Guard and State Operations Center to bring state support to county-led emergency response efforts and coordinate mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions.

City Council will review and affirm the local emergency proclamation in seven days and then it will continue for 60 days unless Council terminates it earlier or extends it.

For current storm information and preparedness tips from the City of San Luis Obispo, please visit www.slocity.org/Prepare.

Original source can be found here.