Anonymous
Update by the edhat staff
2:15 p.m., February 24, 2023
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Santa Barbara and Ventura counties through 10:00 p.m. Friday.
At 2:16 p.m., heavy rainfall continues to spread with 3-6 inches of rain already fallen and an additional 2-4 inches of rainfall expected.
Flash flooding is ongoing and expected to worsen Friday evening and will be limited to locations below snow levels, which will fall from 4,500 to 3,000 feet tonight, according to NWS.
Creeks, streams, burn scars, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses are expected to be affected by the rainfall. Shallow landslides and mudslides are expected.
NWS urges motorists to turn around when encountering flooded roads as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
“A Flash Flood Warning for a recent burn area means that flooding and debris flows are imminent or occurring. Residents living in or immediately downstream should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Quickly move away from the burn area only if it is safe to do so, otherwise shelter in place and move to a second story or the highest location in your home to stay out of the path of fast-moving water and debris flows,” NWS states.
By the County of Santa Barbara
Winter Storm Advisory for Santa Barbara County
Issued for Thursday, Feb 23 – Saturday, Feb 25
Winter weather conditions continue to be forecast for Santa Barbara County for Thursday, February 23 through Saturday, February 25. Extreme cold temperatures, snow at higher elevations, continued wind, localized flooding, and isolated thunderstorms are possible countywide.
Evacuations are NOT being issued at this time. Public safety officials will continue to work together to further assess if any protective actions are necessary.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple weather statements for Santa Barbara County, including:
- Winter Storm Warning for the county’s interior mountains is in effect from February 22 at 4 a.m. through 4 a.m. on February 24.
- Winter Weather Advisory for Cuyama Valley and the Santa Ynez mountain range in effect February 23 through 10 p.m. on February 24.
- Blizzard Warning for the county’s interior mountains, which will be in effect from February 24 at 4 a.m. through 4 p.m. on February 25.
- Multiple Flood Watches for the county’s interior mountains, the Santa Ynez mountains, and coastal areas from Point Conception through Carpinteria. These Flood Watches are generally effective from 4 a.m. on February 24 to 6 p.m. on February 25.
Residents should remain vigilant as weather conditions can quickly change. After the rain and snow, it is important to remember:
- Roads may be impacted and immediate access in or out of the area cannot be guaranteed.
- Crews will clear roads of mud and rock slides when it is safe to do so.
- Residents must be prepared to stay in or away from their home for multiple days during and after rain events.
For updated information about the current weather conditions and how to stay safe, visit the ReadySBC.org Winter Weather Conditions (February 21-26) page.
REGISTER TO RECEIVE ReadySBC ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, register now at ReadySBC.org. Receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.
