A flood watch has been issued for Santa Barbara County, effective at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 14 through 5 a.m. Wednesday, March 15. Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas be prepared to go to higher ground. Visit www.weather.gov/lox for more information. 

Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and gusty winds are predicted to roll in Tuesday morning and remain consistent through Wednesday morning. 

Current forecasts indicate this storm is likely to cause excessive runoff which may result in dangerous flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low lying and flood prone areas.  

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.

If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the inner most 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 and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.

Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if emergency protective actions are necessary, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place.

The Police Department would like to remind residents to adhere to any signs and warnings you see. Don’t drive through standing water or a road closure and avoid walking or stepping in standing water or runoff.

The Public Works Department is closely monitoring the storm and ensuring creeks are clear of debris.

Please contact the Public Works Streets division for clogged/blocked storm drains or streets related emergencies at (805) 564-5454.

The Sandbag Station will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at 401 E. Yanonali Street. Please click the following link for sandbag information: Sandbag Information | City of Santa Barbara (santabarbaraca.gov)

If you or someone you know needs shelter, there are several options in the City:

  • 26 inclement weather beds at PATH (816 Cacique) available March 13 & 14, starting at 4 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.
  •  Freedom Warming Center March 14-15 at Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St., starting at 6 p.m. each night.
  •  Santa Barbara Rescue Mission 535 E. Yanonali St. During the rain event guests will be able to stay indoors during the day.

Community members who need a safe place to park, out of the flood zone through this emergency storm event, can park on the roof of Lot 10 (Ortega and Anacapa Streets) for free, Tuesday, March 14 from 9 a.m. through Wednesday, March 15 at 5 p.m.

Members of the public must park their vehicles and leave the parking garage, no camping allowed. An Ambassador Team member on the ground floor will register and document the vehicle and provide residents with a ticket to be placed in the vehicle for validation.

Residents should take steps to prepare ahead of the storm: https://www.countyofsb.org/576/Storm-Readiness

Other Information Resources: