Flash Flood Warning Issued for Santa Barbara County

Update by the edhat staff
December 21, 2023

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the south Santa Barbara County coast and the Santa Ynez Valley.

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 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.

By the edhat staff
December 18, 2023

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for all of Santa Barbara County. The watch goes into effect at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, until Friday morning, December 22.

The areas under the Flood Watch include all of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis
Obispo Counties.

Extensive roadway flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and flooding of creeks and streams are possible. In addition, there will be the risk for flash flooding and debris flows in recent burn scars, especially the South Fire burn scar in Ventura County.

Also, there will be the strong potential for rock and mudslide activity, especially on canyon and mountain roadways. Flooding and rock/mudslide activity may lead to significant travel delays and road closures. Increased flow in rivers and streams will bring an increased threat for swiftwater rescues, reports NWS.

Periods of moderate to heavy rain and a chance of thunderstorms are expected with the upcoming storm system.

Total rainfall estimates are 2 to 4 inches for most of the forecast area, with 4 to 8 inches possible across south facing foothills and coastal slopes. Rainfall rates of 0.30 to 0.60 inches per hour are expected to be common, with isolated rates up to 1.00 inch per hour possible near thunderstorms and favored south facing slopes.

NWS urges residents to stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, 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 going to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground such as a second floor.

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

El Servicio Meteorologico Nacional ha emitido un AVISO DE INUNDACION para el Condado de Santa Barbara en vigor a las 10PM el martes, 19 de diciembre de 2023 hasta el viernes 22 de diciembre de 2023.  Mantengase alejado de los rios, arroyos, riachuelos y otros lugares situados en terrenos bajos y propensos a las inundaciones. Las personas que viven en areas propensas a las inundaciones, deben estar atento de las condiciones cambiantes y estar preparadas para tomar medidas de proteccion, como ir a la habitacion mas interna de su hogar o a un terreno mas alto, como un segundo piso. Para obtener pronosticos del tiempo mas detallados visite https://www.weather.gov/lox/