Atascadero Prepares for Significant Atmospheric River

The National Weather Service is predicting a widespread and significant atmospheric river event on Tuesday, March 14th and Wednesday, March 15th. The City of Atascadero is in the extreme category for wind and rain and we are advising all residents to take extreme caution. This category is the highest weather risk outlook that we have seen for our area.

We encourage residents to avoid all non-essential travel if possible over the next two days. Current predictions show the rain will arrive late tonight with heavy rain and wind predicted into Tuesday and moderate rain and wind on Wednesday. The storm will bring dangerous flooding of roads, creeks and streams along with mudslides and rock slides in and near canyons and steep hillsides. Winds will be gusty with the potential for downed trees, power lines and power outages.

During the storm, please avoid rivers, streams and low-lying areas as a rapid rise in water levels may occur. Pay attention to weather forecasts, emergency alerts and instructions from local officials. Please take extra care while driving, and watch for flooded streets, as well as for possible downed limbs and trees. Creeks are already full, so the likelihood for flooding continues to increase with each storm.

Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to someone’s life, health and safety; if the situation involves critical infrastructure, like a blocked road or downed power line; or catastrophic property damage.

Who to call for flooding and downed limbs or trees in the streets?

City’s Public Works Department during regular weekday business hours at (805) 470-3148; or Police Dispatch at (805) 461-5051 outside regular business hours.

Sandbag Availability to assist with residential flooding:

Miners – Prefilled sandbags available; Home Depot – regular empty sandbags available.

Sand available at the City’s Public Works Yard located at 8005 Gabarda Road; & Fire Station #1, located at 6005 Lewis Ave., corner of Lewis Ave & Traffic Way; Please bring a shovel.

San Luis Obispo County Storm Information: ReadySLO.org.