As of Christmas morning, nearly 19,000 customers in the Central Coast area served by PG&E remain without electricity.
Good morning! Let’s take a moment to look at the current weather conditions outside. Here are the latest temperature readings across the state, along with forecasts for the high temperatures we can expect in various regions.
But here's where it gets controversial... More rain is on the horizon, with chances for thunderstorms increasing to between 15% and 20% through Friday. Winds will be brisk, coming from the south to southwest, with gusts reaching 20-35 mph across much of the area, and possibly hitting 30-45 mph in the mountainous regions.
A flood watch is currently in effect until Friday evening due to the potential for flash flooding and landslides resulting from heavy rainfall. Additionally, hazardous conditions at beaches and coastal waters will persist through Friday, posing risks for swimmers and surfers alike.
As the storms clear out this weekend, cold temperatures will settle in. However, another weather system is expected to move into the region shortly after, bringing additional rain showers and possibly isolated thunderstorms. The key risks associated with today’s storms include heavy rainfall, small hail, and stronger wind gusts. Rainfall is projected to decrease later in the day and should taper off by Friday evening as the weather system moves eastward. Winds will shift to the north, which should help reduce moisture levels in the air.
While showers may linger into Friday night and Saturday morning, drier conditions are anticipated as high-pressure systems begin to dominate the western part of the country. Expect chilly nights to continue through early next week, aided by clear skies and high pressure. Daytime temperatures are expected to either meet or dip below the seasonal averages typically seen during this time of year.
Forecast models indicate that the upper-level ridge may shift eastward around or just after New Year’s Day, potentially allowing for upper-level troughing to establish itself over the Gulf of Alaska. This change could mark the end of any significant rain chances for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, a high surf advisory has been issued for the coast, effective from 4 AM to 10 PM on Friday. During this advisory period, large breaking waves could reach heights of up to 25 feet, accompanied by strong rip currents and sneaker waves. These conditions create dangerous situations for swimming and surfing, and there is a risk of localized beach erosion. Sneaker waves can unexpectedly surge onto the shoreline, pulling individuals into the ocean from rocks, jetties, and beaches. The power of these large waves can overwhelm even experienced swimmers, leading to serious injury and an increased risk of drowning. Therefore, it is advised that inexperienced swimmers stay safely away from the water.
