Edhat Staff
Update by the edhat staff
6:00 p.m., February 5, 2024
The National Weather Service has re-issued a Flood Advisory for Santa Barbara County until 12:45 a.m. Tuesday as moderate to locally heavy rain returns.
Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. In addition, there will be the threat of debris flows, as well as additional rock and mudslide activity, especially in the mountains and canyon roadways.
At 5:24 p.m., Doppler radar indicated the rainfall moving into the advisory area. This additional rainfall combined with very wet conditions from Sunday’s rainfall will likely bring areas of urban and small stream flooding, debris flows, and rock/mudslide activity, especially in the mountains and canyon roadways.
Flash Flood Warning Extended Through Midnight
By the edhat staff
3:00 p.m., February 4, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the Flash Flood Warning through midnight for Southern Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
At 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area.
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen Sunday morning, and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible through midnight.
Flash flooding and debris flows are occurring and will worsen by Sunday evening.
NWS states this is a life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Debris flows consisting of rock and mud slides are possible.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Lompoc, Fillmore, Ojai, Montecito, Santa Ynez, Point Conception, Chatsworth, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Carpinteria, Solvang, Summerland and Rincon Point.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” the NWS states. “Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
Risk of Life Threatening Floods During Sunday’s Storm
By the edhat staff
February 1, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning about the risk of life threatening and damaging flooding during this weekend’s storm.
Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties are expected to get hit the hardest on Sunday evening due to “very heavy” rain intensity.
This second storm, that’s expected to begin on Saturday evening and go through Tuesday, can bring three to six inches of rain for coastal regions, and up to 12 inches of rain in the mountains and foothills. Snow is expected at 6,000-7,000 feet.
“This shaping out to be a life-threatening flooding situation especially during the Sunday through Monday time period. This is a lot of rain, with a potential for projections to go even higher. There is still time to prepare,” NWS stated on social media.
See the bottom of this article for resources and tips on how to prepare.
Alert from the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management
The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm with potentially life-threatening impacts for Santa Barbara County, expected to arrive Saturday, February 3 and last through Tuesday, February 6. Moderate to heavy rainfall lasting multiple hours and strong winds are expected. Isolated thunderstorms capable of producing brief heavy rainfall and dangerous flash flooding are possible. Detailed weather forecasts are available at https://www.weather.gov/lox/.
Evacuations are NOT being issued at this time. However, evacuations may be necessary. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your local roads and your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.
Precautions and tips to stay safe:
- Stay away from burn scars, rivers, creeks, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as evacuating and sheltering in place.
- Roads impacted during previous storms may experience flooding, mud and rock slides. Communities along these roads may become isolated.
- Beaches, bluffs and the Harbor area may be impacted. This storm may trigger coastal flooding and erosion along the bluffs throughout the county. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from beach areas.
- Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unexpected power outage occurs.
- Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as outdoor furniture.
Residents should remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to:
- MONITOR the weather
- PREPARE and PROTECT your home now
- PLAN on how to get out and where you might go
During Rain:
- If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the inner most room of your house, preferably on the top floor if you live in a multi-story home.
- Do not attempt to drive at night or while it is raining, as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm and working with the National Weather Service. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place are necessary.
Resources:
- Storm readiness tips: http://www.readysbc.org/
StormReadiness - For status of highways: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
roadscell.php - For status of County roadways: https://www.countyofsb.org/
2116/Road-Closures - For County sandbag filling locations: https://www.countyofsb.org/
2219/Sandbags - Sign up for ReadySBC Emergency Alerts: https://member.everbridge.net/
index/892807736723794#/signup
Rain Storm Heading to the South Coast Through the Weekend
By the edhat staff
January 30, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) is tracking a rain storm heading to the South Coast this week.
A series of weather advisories have been issued starting on Wednesday and continuing through next week.
A small craft advisory, gale warning, and storm warning are in effect now through Wednesday.
Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
Rain is expected to land in the area on Wednesday with the biggest impact to take place on Wednesday night, Thursday, and Sunday. Light rain is expected on Thursday night and Friday with a dry Saturday until the next storm arrives.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening, specifically around the Interstate 5 Corridor, western San Gabriel Mountains, and Highway 14 corridor.
Heavy in the above areas is snow possible with total snow accumulations up to 18 inches possible above 7000 feet, up to 6 inches between 6000 and 7000 feet and a dusting to 3 inches between 4500 and 6000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
The second storm that is anticipated to come in on Sunday will be stronger than the first. The National Weather Service is forecasting rain from Sunday through Wednesday, but the peak rainfall is currently forecasted from Sunday night into Monday night.
This storm has the potential for many hours of moderate to heavy rain with the risk of damaging flooding, strong southerly winds, coastal flooding with large waves, and significant snow above 6,000 feet.
The forecast will be updated by the National Weather Service as we get closer, but now is the time to prepare.
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Don’t try to drive through puddles.
Chevy67 bets are there are plenty
Needed rainfall coming, thank-you climate change.
Appallingly ignorant comment.
Not all weather is evidence of climate change. We’re in the dead of winter, rain storms are the norm.
Once again, EXTREME weather (such as being 85 degrees last week) is the result of human influenced climate change.
No, it isn’t.
This has been happening for at least 10,000 years. There has been a 400 foot rise in just that little bit of time
So ,you should know that their was a land bridge to the San Miguel island and the water level has been rising for longer than that.
Good thing we have people who can read are in charge of science stuff.
Glad its not you.
Appallingly ignorant comment.
So what is not true?
Climate has been changing ever since there was such a thing as “climate”
You should educate yourself about climate before making a fool of yourself with such ignorant comments.
Here are some simple primers:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
The falsehoods usually promoted by climate science deniers are refuted by climate scientists here. Congratulations! Your statements appear:
https://skepticalscience.com/argument.php
Almost all weather events are more extreme because of climate change.
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-can-climate-change-affect-natural-disasters
Still El Niño Ruby. Part of normal Pacific weather patterns expected to continue for at least a couple more months. Then on to the drier happenings of La Niña
Even the “drought” is actually just normal weather for the area, but coupled with the gradual desertification and increasing demand for potable water people think it is caused by us
This weeks storms and last weeks warmer weather are absolutely nothing new statistically, whatsoever. Way too much knee jerk reacting and overreacting going on these days. Not saying climate change isn’t real at all, but one big storm or warm day is evidence of it? No way.
No one suggested these are evidence of climate change. On the contrary, in fact.
Well, I’d say reread your post from yesterday where you suggested otherwise. At least that’s how I read it.
Yeah, you ought to go ahead and reread it. In no reasonable and elementary comprehension of the English language did I suggest this weekend’s storms are evidence of climate change.
The mention of last week’s rare 85 degree weather was given as an example of the type of extreme weather types that are evidence of it. Did not mean it to say one day of hot weather = climate change.
Appallingly ignorant comment.
No need for panic. This is a pretty typical strong winter storm. Just use common sense. No need to play the snowflake role.
Master of Armchair ignoring all the professional meteorologists and emergency workers. Typical.
ANON – Master of “Studying Insects,” mind you.
Who’s panicking? What is the “snowflake role”?
This post is providing information, the purpose of which is to inform and prepare us and thus avoid panic and threat to people.
It’s all in the fantasy land in Docs mind. He invents scenarios and pretends people are upset just so he can belittle them.
I found this comical. There’s a guy on edhat’s instagram page that commented on several of the storm posts saying this is not a big deal, edhat’s an alarmist, etc.. Then on one of the posts showing flooding on the Eastside the same guy said, why isn’t the government doing anything about this?!
Made me chuckle.
The type of people who rant and complain about warnings during heavy storms aren’t usually society’s best or brightest. Smart people either make preparations or don’t bother whining about warnings. To take time out of your day to complain about the news warning us about weather events, especially after the recent horrific tragedy in Montecito, is pathetic.
Is this one of the first times they have preemptively evacuated the area by Mission Creek downtown? I seem to remember the last few storms it was too late and people had to get rescued from their cars.
Just a few more hours to ride out until the flash flood warning is lifted.