Calif. Central Coast Gets ‘Hurricane Force Wind Warning’

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(TNS) — As dangerous winds and heavy rain bear down on California’s Central Coast, the National Weather Service issued an extremely rare “Hurricane Force Wind Warning” for the region Saturday night. CNN reports it is the first time in recorded state history the weather service has given this type of warning.

The weather service pulled no punches in its late-night alert, cautioning there will be “extremely dangerous conditions for mariners.” Around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, forecasters were anticipating gusts up to 92 mph along the Big Sur coastline. With waves potentially breaking 25 to 35 feet, forecasters asked that people avoid the beaches, piers and jetties into early Monday, lest they be swept away by “unexpected waves.”

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the weather service’s Bay Area office, which also includes the Central Coast, said in its Sunday morning advisory. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

Gusts up to 80 mph are also anticipated in the highest peaks of the Santa Lucia Range and San Benito County mountains. Along with the wind comes a great deal of rain: A flood watch is in effect from the North Bay to Big Sur until at least Monday morning. Through 10 a.m. Monday, Monterey County could see half an inch to .80 inch of rain per hour.

On the Central Coast, there are particular concerns for homes along the Carmel Rive. With the rain still coming down on Sunday morning, the weather service expects the river to crest at 10.5 feet in the late afternoon; according to its records, the last time this happened was in April 1958.

“At 10.0 feet, South side of Highway 1 bridge access becomes inundated and impassable,” the flood warning cautions. “Many low lying homes threatened along the entire Carmel River. Low lying homes near Camp Steffani experience substantial flooding and homes near Schulte Road in danger of flooding. Homes surrounding the Carmel Lagoon area are in danger of flooding.”

Evacuation warnings are in effect in parts of Monterey County, and a number of locations in Santa Barbara County are under mandatory evacuation orders. The weather service is asking Californians to stay inside during strong winds and avoid windows. If you must drive, do not go around barriers or drive through rushing water. Only 12 inches of moving water is enough to carry away a car.