News Flash

Paso Robles, CA. March 8, 2023 – City officials and staff are preparing for a series of two atmospheric river storms forecasted to bring multiple inches of rain each to Paso Robles between Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 17. Due to anticipated hill slides, rising river levels, and localized flooding:

• River Road will be preemptively closed to through traffic from Navajo to Creston and Union to River Oaks beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 and will reopen when it is safe to do so. Access to businesses along N. River Road just north of Union Road will be maintained, conditions allowing. 
• Police and Fire personnel are allocating significant resources to advise individuals within the Salinas riverbed to relocate to higher grounds immediately. 
• Staff and equipment are in place for both storms and prepared to mobilize as conditions dictate. 

The City has sand available for anyone wishing to make sandbags to protect private property. Sand can be found at the City Streets Yard located at 1220 Paso Robles Street. A shovel is onsite, but please bring your own sandbags as they are not available on site. Lists of locations to buy sandbags are available on ReadySLO.org. 

All residents living in an area prone to flooding should have a plan in place on where you will go if you need to evacuate. Plan for your pets and any medication or items you need to bring with you. It is strongly advised to avoid driving through, entering, or playing in moving water at all times. During major storm events, public safety resources are in high demand. Avoiding situations that may require an emergency response is a priority. 

Residents needing to report non-emergency storm issues, such as a blocked storm drain or debris blocking safe travel on a City street, should call the non-emergency dispatch line at (805) 237-6464. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.  Storm updates will be provided as necessary on PRCity.com and official social media feeds. 

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Media Contact: Shonna Howenstine, PIO
City of Paso Robles
(805) 227-7276