Public Safety · San Luis Obispo County
SLO County Prepares for Potentially Record-Setting El Niño Storms Expected Jan-March
San Luis Obispo County officials detailed emergency preparations at a Tuesday Board of Supervisors meeting ahead of forecasted record-breaking winter storms driven by a "very strong" El Niño pattern. OES Director Scotty Jalbert warned the Central Coast could face coastal erosion, mudslides, debris flows, and flooded streets in January through March, with sea surface temperatures projected 2.7°C above normal—surpassing the 1982-83 event that dropped 47.4 inches of rain on Cal Poly. The county's El Niño Task Force is clearing all 5,643 culverts, inspecting bridges and storm drains, and launched the Creek Ready SLO program to help property owners near waterways prepare. On Sept. 29, supervisors voted to shift $8.4 million into storm response, though severe storms in early 2024 cost the county approximately $70 million. Residents are urged to check flood-plain status, sign up for AlertSLO notifications, purchase sandbags, and assemble 72-hour emergency kits.