A powerful storm brought heavy rains, gusty winds and pounding waves to the Central Coast Friday and early Saturday morning. Power outages across the region closed schools and businesses Friday morning in Monterey, San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties, and as of Saturday morning, many customers remain without power. Weather forecasters say another storm system will arrive Monday, President's Day. Here's an update on Central Coast storm-related news:
- As of Saturday morning (02/18/17) at 7:30 a.m., PG&E reports about 8,700 San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara county customers - including neighborhoods in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, the 5 Cities area and Shandon - are still without power today. The company says its crews are working around the clock to restore service.
- Santa Barbara County has lifted the evacuation order for the area burned last year in the Sherpa Fire. That includes El Capitan Canyon, El Capitan Ranch, El Capitan State Beach, Refugio State Beach, Refugio Canyon, Canada Venadito Canyon, del Coral, and Las Flores Canyon. The warning was lifted just after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning effective immediately.
- The evacuation warning has been lifted for Robin Hill Road and immediate surrounding areas in Goleta.
- In Solvang: The evacuation warning has been lifted for the area of Fredensborg Canyon Road.
- Northbound Highway 101 is now partially reopened at La Conchita. CalTrans reports two lanes are cleared of mud and water but expect delays.
- Santa Barbara County’s Highway 154 from Buellton to Santa Barbara is reopened. However, SR 192 is now closed in both directions from Coyote Road to Westmont Road.
- All northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 1 are closed in the 5 Cities area at Paso Robles Road.
- Highway 227 in San Luis Obispo County is remains fully closed from Printz Road to Price Canyon due to downed trees.
- Highway 166 is reopened.
- Morro Bay State Park, Oceano Dunes and Refugio and El Capitan State Beaches in Santa Barbara County remain closed. San Luis Obispo County hiking trails are also closed for the weekend, although parks remain open.
- Powerful winds gusts are blowing down large branches and trees around the Central Coast. One KCBX listener called at 12 p.m. on Friday to report a large eucalyptus tree had fallen on power lines in Corbett Canyon, knocking out power for about 70 residences there.
- The National Weather Service forecasts a 70% chance of rain Sunday night and Monday.
