The city of Santa Barbara is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and minimize potential impacts from the predicted Santa Barbara County major February storm, including activating Self-Serve Sandbag Stations and Free Emergency Storm Parking.
The National Weather Service has predicted a strong winter storm will impact the area starting Sunday, Feb, 15, with the most significant conditions on Monday, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, high surf, and a heightened risk of flooding.
A Flood Watch has been issued for Monday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. There is no evacuation in effect as of Saturday evening.
Thunderstorms are possible Monday and could produce brief intense downpours, strong wind gusts, small hail, isolated waterspouts, or a brief weak tornado. Additional periods of rain, mountain snow, and coastal flooding concerns may continue into midweek, according to reports.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and report any concerns.
Public safety officials are monitoring the incoming storm and will continue to assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place are necessary, the city said.
Free Emergency Storm Parking
For residents living in flood-prone areas, free Emergency Storm Parking is in place at City Lot 2, rooftop, 914 Chapala St. at Canon Perdido Street.
Residents must register for storm parking through this portal during the specified storm registry period. Unregistered vehicles will be charged at the standard hourly parking rate. Registered license plate must match the vehicle to receive validation.
Activation registration window: Open now until 9 p.m., Feb. 17.
Complimentary parking window: Open noon Feb. 15 until 9 p.m. Feb. 17.
For more information and to register online, visit Emergency Storm Parking.
Self-Serve Sandbag Stations
Sandbag stations will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at the City Annex Yard, 401 E. Yanonali St., and City Fire Station 7, 2411 Stanwood Drive.
Sandbags are available to residents free of charge. Residents are reminded that the city Sandbag Distribution Policy is designed to assist in the protection of private property only during storm emergency conditions. Note the following:
• Bring your own gloves and shovels and be prepared to fill the bags you need.
• Fill your sandbags halfway so they are not too heavy to lift and can be stacked properly.
• You may take 20 sandbags per trip.
• To learn how to fill and stack sandbags, watch the video.
For more sandbag information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sandbags.
Report issues:
For any emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Non-emergency line: 805-882-8900.
To report a fallen tree or limb, or other street tree concern:
Call: 805-564-5433
Email: Trees@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
After-hours contact: 805-564-5413
Clogged or blocked storm drains or street-related emergencies
Streets Operations & Infrastructure responds to emergency and non-emergency issues related to storm drain maintenance.
Call: 805-564-5454
Email: Streets@SantaBarbaraCA.gov