The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for much of California, including San Benito County, as a strong cold front moves into the area through Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
As the front moves through the region on Thursday, heavy rain rates will occur that "will likely lead to urban and small stream flooding, with the biggest impacts for the Thursday afternoon and evening commute," the weather service said. Strong southerly winds will occur ahead of the front on Thursday, then turn northerly and ease on Thursday night as the rain ends from north to south.
The weather service has posted a high wind watch for coastal areas and higher terrain, starting Thursday in the North Bay and extending through Friday morning along the coast and in higher terrain in San Benito County.
Weather conditions Thursday may result in the following impacts, according to the NWS:
- Longer commute times due to wet roadways
- Traffic delays in general due to possible roadway flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas
- Power outages due to locally strong and gusty winds —especially Thursday
- Possible rock slides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain
After the storm blows through, the weather service predicts dry and seasonable weather from Friday through the weekend.
For the latest forecast information for San Benito County, click here.
