An employee works to clear a flooded drain in Santa Barbara during November's storm. More heavy rain is in the forecast for this week.
An employee works to clear a flooded drain in Santa Barbara during November's storm. More heavy rain is in the forecast for this week. Credit: Ray Ford / Noozhawk photo

Heavy rain, strong winds and a chance of thunder are expected to hit Santa Barbara County this week, and local cities are offering aid to residents who may need some shelter from the storm.

For residents who need to protect their properties, sandbag stations are now open to the public at multiple locations. The sites are self-serve, but residents must bring their own shovels and gloves.  

The sites have a limit of 20 bags per person. Officials recommend that visitors fill up their bags halfway so that they are not too heavy to lift.

The stations opened on Monday and will reopen on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa Barbara residents can go to the City Annex Yard at 401 E. Yanonali St. or City Fire Station 7 at 2411 Stanwood Drive to pick up some bags.

For more information on how to properly fill sandbags or to find a station, click here.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation warning for the Lake Fire burn area, including Midland School, Zaca Lake Resort, residences on the 9000 block of Figueroa Mountain Road that are accessed from Tunnel Road, and 7401 Figueroa Mountain Road. Other properties in the area are not listed in the warning, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Get more information on evacuations here. 

Emergency Parking to Avoid Flooded Streets

Officials from the National Weather Service are also warning residents of flooding in urban areas ahead of the storm. Santa Barbara residents who need a safe place to park their vehicles can apply for a spot at City Lot 2, located at Canon Perdido and Chapala streets.

The parking spots are located on the roof of the lot.

Cacique Street in Santa Barbara is flooded after heavy rain during the storm on Nov. 15. Ahead of this week's storm, Santa Barbara is offering residents a safe place to park their vehicles in case of flooded streets.
Cacique Street in Santa Barbara is flooded after heavy rain during the storm on Nov. 15. Ahead of this week’s storm, Santa Barbara is offering residents a safe place to park their vehicles in case of flooded streets. Credit: Ray Ford / Noozhawk photo

The registration period began Sunday and is open until 5 p.m. Friday. The parking window ends at the same time.

Drivers must register before they can use the parking lot, and they are not allowed to camp with their vehicle. Vehicles can be registered by clicking here.

The cost of parking will be waived for registered drivers, but anyone staying past the allowed window will be charged the standard rate.

Whom to Call for Storm Issues in Santa Barbara

Residents who need to report an emergency can call 9-1-1 or call the Santa Barbara Police Department’s non-emergency line at 805.882.8900. Residents can also sign up for the county’s ReadySBC for alerts to their phones.

To report a fallen tree or limb, or other street tree concern, call 805.564.5433 or email trees@santabarbaraca.gov. The after-hours contact for a tree-related issue is 805.564.5413.

Clogged drains or street-related issues can be reported to 805.564.5454 or streets@santabarbaraca.gov.

A driver is helped out of a flood intersection in downtown Santa Barbara after a downpour on Nov. 15. Heavy rain is in the forecast again for this week.
A driver is helped out of a flood intersection in downtown Santa Barbara after a downpour on Nov. 15. Heavy rain is in the forecast again for this week. Credit: John Palminteri / KEYT News photo

Warming Shelter Locations

Good Samaritan Shelter plans to set up a warming shelter in Santa Maria on Tuesday at the Grogan Community Center, 1155 W. Rancho Verde.

Another shelter will be located at Santa Maria’s Atkinson Community Center on Wednesday and Thursday at 1000 N. Railroad Road.

A Carpinteria shelter will be available from Tuesday to Thursday at the Veterans Memorial Building at 941 Walnut Ave.

More Storm Resources

Storm preparedness tips are available from the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management at countyofsb.org/4793/Major-Storm.

Authorities had not issued storm-related evacuations as of Monday night.

“If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave,” the site states.

In the case of flash flood warnings, residents should stay off roadways and move away from waterways, according to the county. Residents near a recent burn area when a flash flood warning is in effect should move to the innermost room of their home or to higher ground such as a second floor.

More ReadySBC resources are available on the website and below.

Preparedness Tips Before the Rain

  • Monitor the weather. 
  • Prepare and protect your home now. 
  • Plan on how to get out and where you might go. 
  • Charge important electronic devices and check flashlights in case an unexpected power outage occurs. 
  • Secure outdoor belongings that could be impacted by strong winds, such as umbrellas, sports equipment and outdoor furniture.  
  • Prepare outdoor pets and animals.  
  • Be aware of and check in on others who might not be prepared for severe weather or able to react accordingly — especially the elderly and young children.

During the Rain

  • In general, stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, recent wildfire burn areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding and recent burn areas should stay aware of changing conditions. 
  • Remain vigilant and monitor weather as conditions can change quickly. 
  • If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the innermost 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.  
  • Never drive, swim or walk into floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown! 
  • Beaches, bluffs and the harbor area may be impacted. This storm may trigger erosion along the bluffs throughout the county, including Isla Vista. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from beach areas. 
  • Roads along recent wildfire burn areas, including Highway 166, and those roads impacted during previous storms may experience flooding, mud and rock slides. Communities along these roads may become isolated.   
  • If you hear thunder, go indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before resuming outdoor activities.

Resources

— Noozhawk staff writer Daniel Green can be reached at dgreen@noozhawk.com.