Weather & Road Conditions

This page was last updated: January 30, 2010 3:52:16 PM PST.

Please be aware of the following weather and road conditions. Because of the potential for rocks and other debris on the road, we recommend driving during the daylight hours. Please drive slowly and safely.

Caltrans Big Sur Highway 1 Hotline

For the most up-to-date information about Highway 1 through Big Sur, please call the Caltrans Highway 1 Big Sur Hotline toll-free at (888) 836-0866.

Highway 1 North of Esalen: Open

Highway 1 to the north of Esalen is currently open.

Highway 1 South of Esalen: Open

Highway 1 to the south of Esalen is currently open, but please be aware that there may be some intermittent reverse one way traffic delays.

Caltrans officials announced on January 29 that there will be no more overnight closures due to roadway erosion on Highway 1, nine miles north of Ragged Point or three miles south of Gorda, which are both about seven miles into the Monterey County Line from San Luis Obispo. This segment of Highway 1 will continue with continue roadwork during daytime hours (7:30 am to 5 pm) with reverse one-way traffic control. A section of fill has been washed out by ocean surf due to recent heavy rains. The temporary signal south of Lucia for the bridge/rockshed project remains in operation.

Weather Forecast

Here is the current 7-Day Forecast from the National Weather Service for our area, including the latest Hazardous Weather Outlook.

Current Forecast from AccuWeather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar | Hurricane Center

Stormy Weather Driving Safety Tips

Driving after dark is highly discouraged!
Caution should be exercised when traveling, especially after dark.
You never know what will be around the next turn. Large rocks/boulders have already fallen to the roadway and several of us have had falling rock damage to our vehicles and tires. Drive cautiously and at an appropriate speed for you to see dangers before you are upon them.
Watch out for the little sharp rocks, they pierce tire sidewalls. Make certain your are driving on tires that have good tread left to them and have a good spare tire, a jack and lug wrench with you and easily accessible.
Be prepared to sleep in your car on the side of the road if you become trapped between slides or amongst rocks and debris you can not safely drive through or around. Help and road clearing might not happen before morning and we need to be self-sufficient until professionals arrive. Carry an emergency kit that amongst any other specific needs you might have would include a sleeping bag, warm clothes, water, flashlight, flares, cell phone, glasses and contact lens supplies and any personal medications you take.