Threat of Monsoonal Thunderstorms

Source: National Weather Service

Threat of monsoonal thunderstorms with hot and humid conditions, potential for heavy downpours, flash flooding, lightning strikes and increased fire danger Tuesday through Friday.

A surge of monsoonal moisture will move into the area Tuesday through Thursday bringing increased humidity and hot conditions, including a threat of showers, thunderstorms and other weather-related hazards across Santa Barbara County.

Click here if you can’t see this image.

Potential for heavy downpours and flash flooding (especially in recent burn areas): Due to ample moisture expected with this surge, there will be the potential for brief heavy downpours and an increased threat of flash flooding with any thunderstorms that develop, especially in the mountains and recent burn areas.

Potential for lightning strikes and increased fire danger: Gusty winds and dangerous lightning will be possible with thunderstorms, including beach areas. While most of the storm activity is expected to be wet, the increase threat of lightning strikes may cause new fire ignitions due to the very dry fuels.

Increased heat risk: There will be moderate to high heat risk through much of the week across interior sections of Southwest California. Heat advisories are already in effect for many interior areas through Tuesday, and may need to be extended. As humidity increases, there will also be warmer overnight low temperatures, adding to the heat stress across Southwest California.

Precautions: People should plan to reduce time in the sun during peak heating hours this week and drink additional water to keep hydrated. Anyone planning outdoor activities this week (especially in the mountains and recent burn areas) should be prepared for the possibility of monsoonal thunderstorms and the associated FLASH FLOOD RISK if storms do develop. Stay tuned to the latest National Weather Service forecasts and statements on this developing weather situation.

If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area:

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! Act quickly to save yourself, you may not have much time.
• DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway.
• DO NOT drive through flowing water.
• If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN.
• Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs.
• Get out of areas that are subject to flooding and move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. Low spots such as dips, canyons, and washes are not the places you want to be during flooding!
• DO NOT camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• DO NOT try to walk, swim, or play in flood water. You may not be able to determine if there are holes or submerged debris, or how quickly the water is flowing, and you may be swept away.
• Always continue to monitor the situation through the National Weather Service website, your NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards, or favorite local television or radio stations.

If you have neighbors that are not receiving these messages, please encourage them to go to the website www.awareandprepare.org and register to receive alerts.