Edhat Staff
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for the majority of Santa Barbara County from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning.
An approaching storm is expected to bring multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers, and perhaps a couple of thunderstorms. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches are expected over the lower elevations, with 4 to 8 inches over the foothills and mountains.
Rainfall rates may briefly exceed 1 inch per hour in isolated locations with heavier showers and thunderstorms. These rainfall totals and rates will have the potential to cause flooding and debris flows including landslides.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations while creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.
“Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain,” the NWS states.
Those who live in flood prone areas should be prepared to take action, NWS advises. Residents should keep away from the shoreline and also prepare for possible power outages.
The City of Santa Barbara’s Self-Serve Sandbag Station is open Saturday and Sunday.
Sandbag Station hours:
Saturday, February 17 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 18 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- The Sandbag Station is located at 401 E. Yanonali Street.
- Sandbags are also available at City Fire Station 7 located at 2411 Stanwood Drive.
- Up to 20 sandbags per trip are available to residents for free.
- Remember to bring your own gloves and shovels.
- Be prepared to fill the bags you need. When filling sandbags, remember to only fill them halfway, so they are not too heavy to lift and will stack properly.
Residents are reminded that the City Sandbag Distribution Policy is designed to assist in the protection of private property only during storm emergency conditions.
For more sandbag information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sandbags.
Please contact the Public Works Streets Division for clogged/blocked storm drains or streets related emergencies at (805) 564-5454.
El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional pronostica una fuerte tormenta que llegará el sábado 17 de febrero y durará hasta el miércoles 21 de febrero, y como resultado ha emitido una Vigilancia de Inundaciones para todo el Condado de Santa Bárbara. Se esperan inundaciones en las áreas bajas y fuertes vientos. Tormentas eléctricas aisladas capaces de producir fuertes lluvias breves e inundaciones repentinas peligrosas son posibles. Para obtener pronósticos del tiempo más detallados visite https://www.weather.gov/lox/.
Si le preocupa que esta tormenta pueda causar condiciones inseguras en las carreteras locales y en su casa, desaloje el área antes de que empiece a llover. No espere a recibir una notificación oficial de evacuación para irse.
