The County of Monterey’s Department of Emergency Management is urging residents and businesses of Big Sur to begin stocking up with at least 2 weeks of essential supplies in anticipation of an atmospheric river weather event. The National Weather Service is predicting that a strong weather system, stronger than recent systems, may arrive late Thursday of this week lasting several days. 

Current hydrographic estimates have all rivers rising, with the Big Sur River reaching “action stage” and other Monterey County rivers getting close to “action stage” by the weekend.  

This is a preliminary notice in an effort to provide Monterey County residents and Big Sur residents in particular ample time to prepare. Weather conditions are subject to change and the Department of Emergency Management will provide regular updates as information becomes available from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

The County also recommends residents who have not already done so to sign up for Alert Monterey County, a free service that pushes out emergency information to subscribers as soon as it becomes available. More information is available at https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/office-of-emergency-services/ready-monterey-county/sign-up-for-alerts. 

Maia CarrollCommunications CoordinatorCounty of Montereycarrollm@co.monterey.ca.us(831) 796-3092

I got this yesterday, but didn’t want to ruin your weekend. This may or may not happen. Just stay tuned, and prepare as if it is will. .Brought to you by the NWS, SF Bay area — the graphics, not the rain. Last night, the NWS added this into their forecast discussion:

There is so much uncertainty still surrounding
this system, but the confidence is there to increase awareness and
preparation for the potential impacts with this system late this
week.