Update by the edhat staff
March 30, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Summerland.

This means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water.

Avoid recent burn areas, low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground, such as a second floor.

NWS states the Flash Flood Warning will expire at 9:00 p.m. Saturday.

National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch Friday Night Through Sunday

Update by the edhat staff
March 28, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County from Friday, March 29 at 4:00 pm until Sunday night, March 31.

A Winter Storm Watch is also in effect for the county’s interior mountains.

Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, and in and below recent burn areas should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as going to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground such as a second floor.

Thunderstorms capable for producing heavy downpours are possible. There is a remote chance of small and brief tornados or waterspouts. Snowfall can occur at high elevations.

Detailed weather forecasts are available at https://www.weather.gov/lox/

Heavy Rainfall Expected to Arrive on Friday Evening

By the edhat staff
March 26, 2024

Santa Barbara County and Southern California should plan for a rainy Easter weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A moderate storm system will approach the area bringing anywhere from one to five inches of rain with the chance of thunderstorms.

The rainstorm is expected to hit Santa Barbara County from Friday through Monday, bringing potentially dangerous conditions. A wind advisory and small craft advisory have also been issued, warning of strong gusts and hazardous ocean conditions.

NWS predicts approximately 2.24 inches of rain in Santa Barbara, 1.55 inches in Santa Maria, 1.84 in Lompoc, and just over 2 inches in Santa Ynez through the weekend.

Foothills and mountains are expected to get the worst of it between three and six inches, with a 30% chance these amounts could double.

There’s also a 10-20% chance of thunderstorms between Saturday and Sunday evenings.