SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — After SLO County received a thorough soaking from rains over the past few days, another storm system is expected to the area Saturday, March 14.

According to accuweather.com, the coming storm is expected to dump up to an inch of rain on SLO County over a four-day period. They put the chance of thunder and lightening accompanying the storms at 20 percent.

Cal Fire SLO issued a warning via their Twitter page Thursday advising residents to prepare for the rains by cleaning their gutters and drains.

“With storms set to return to SLO County soon, be prepared,” the post read. “Identify an evacuation route and safe location. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Do not drive around barricades.”

According to county meteorologist John Linsey, computer models are showing “significant amounts of rainfall starting Sunday and continuing through late next week.” Lindsey said that this week’s storms dropped between .50 and 1.50 inches of rain across the county.Advertisement

The County of San Luis Obispo recommends the following preparations ahead of significant storms:

• Get sandbags if you live or work in flood prone areas or who otherwise think their home or business could be flooded should obtain sandbags ahead of time, many local equipment and feed and supply stores carry sandbags. Get sandbag information on ReadySLO.org.
• Be prepared for power outages and fully charge radio and cell phone batteries; ; fully charge back-up batteries for portable radios, cell phones, and flashlights;
• Check roof drains to make sure they are clear;
• Stockpile needed emergency supplies;
• Get as well prepared as possible.

Get more general storm preparedness information at www.ReadySLO.org/Storms. Follow County Office of Emergency Services on Twitter (@slocountyoes) for preparedness tips and real-time emergency information.