Gaviota Coast Wind Safety Project
Post Project Summary
The original goals for this project were to:
1. Provide additional weather stations at as many locations as possible throughout the Gaviota Coast. (Note: More weather stations equal more accurate reporting and prediction capability.)
2. Through possible grant funding, install (2) overhead programmable information freeway display signs on both Hwy 154 and Hwy 101 intersections (Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley) to warn motorists of High Wind Hazards, Road Closures, Amber Alerts or other identified emergency information.
þ Project Status
1. On August 24, 2006, the PXP Arguello facility took delivery of new meteorological hardware and software to replace what was existing that could not be linked to NOAA NWS Oxnard / Los Angeles. The new weather stations and software are expected to be online by September 2006 and will provide continuous 24/7/365 data for NOAA NWS forecasters. Hollister Ranch has taken delivery of a new weather station and have purchased a computer for the software. This information is expected to be online in the near future. UPRR is currently working on providing weather monitoring for the Gaviota Coast with the weather stations being used to determine train speed, which commodities can be transported and whether trains should be stopped, delayed, or prohibited.
Summary: For the first time in the history of both Santa Barbara County and Southern California, remote weather sensing will be provided for the Gaviota Coast. This will enable NOAA NWS Weather Forecasters to more accurately predict the weather and to make early notification for sundowner conditions, which is paramount when dealing with severe fire weather.
2. Existing local Caltrans funding has been made available for two CMS (Changeable Message Signs). A CMS sign will be placed for the northbound traffic just south of the Las Positas overhead and a second CMS sign north of the north 101 / 154 interchange for southbound traffic.
Summary: At the time of the first meeting, this information was not known. Communication with Caltrans District 5 planners revealed that local monies had already been made available, which confirmed that this component of the project had also been completed.
For Additional Information: ITS Strategic Plan for the Central Coast
Home Page ● Project Description ● Who's Involved ● Highway Radio Advisory System ● Dynamic Message Signs ● California DOT Motorist Warning System Messages ● Caltrans "Live" Highway Webcams ● Surf the 101 ● OTS Grant Information ● Gaviota Coast Wind Related Incidents ● Project Related Web Links ● Gaviota Coast Photo Gallery ● NOAA Minimum Weather Station Requirements ● Santa Barbara City FD Weather Website ● Weather Station Examples ● Wind Speed Descriptions ● Existing Highway Webcam Locations ● Existing Highway Warning Sign Locations ● Existing Weather Station Locations ● Proposed Highway Webcam Locations ● Proposed Highway Warning Sign Locations ● Proposed Weather Station Locations ● Contact Us
Updated August 26, 2006
