Storm hits North County: Thunder, high winds, and flooding cause road hazards and power outages

By Atascadero News · Tue Feb 17 2026

NORTH COUNTY — Thunder and lightning have hit North County starting in the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The National Weather Service has issued both a Wind Advisory and a Flood Watch for portions of southwest California through late tonight. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., potentially knocking down tree limbs, causing isolated power outages, and making travel difficult — especially for high-profile vehicles. At the same time, a Flood Watch is in effect for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties due to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms that could trigger flash flooding, street flooding, and dangerous conditions in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rock and mudslides are possible near steep terrain and canyon roads, and debris flows may occur in recent burn scar areas. Residents are urged to use caution, monitor forecasts, and be prepared to act if warnings are issued.

Please be advised of the following:

Current CHP Traffic Incidents

Atascadero

• Location: SR 41 / San Gabriel Rd
  • Incident: Limb blocking the lanes

Paso Robles

• Location: Peachy Canyon Rd / Pacific Ave
  • Incident: Mud and shrubs blocking the eastbound lane
• Location: CRG 14 / Chimney Rock Rd
  • Incident: Mud, dirt, and rocks on the roadway
• Location: S River Rd / Santa Ysabel Ave
  • Incident: Roadway flooding

Power Outages

There are currently over 1200 power outages due to the storm, mostly in the Paso Robles area including about 1,000 homes without power along South and North River Road.

Helpful links to reference:

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) Traffic Incidents: cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx
• PG&E Power Outage & Alerts: pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/
• San Luis Obispo County Water Resources: wr.slocountywater.org/