Evacuation warnings were issued Friday afternoon for parts of southern Santa Barbara County as a dangerous winter storm headed toward the region.

With most South Coast areas expected to received 3-6 inches of rain — and as much as 12 inches possible in the mountains and foothills —  emergency officials were warning about the potential for major flooding.

The evacuation warnings were issued for the following locations:

• Properties along waterways associated with the Thomas, Cave and Alisal burn areas.
• Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Drive down to parts of Ninos Drive, in the city of Santa Barbara.

An interactive map of the areas affected by the warning is available by clicking here.

Officials say residents should prepared to leave, fill gas tanks, and gather important documents, essential items, etc.; and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told Noozhawk Friday afternoon that the warnings will be upgraded to evacuation orders Saturday afternoon if the expected impacts of the storm are confirmed by National Weather Service forecasters on Saturday.

Brown estimated that about 500 residences would be affected by the evacuation warnings and orders.

Emergency officials have emphasized that people should make their own decision to leave an area if they feel unsafe, regardless of whether the county orders evacuations.

The weekend storm is coming on the heels of a storm this week that dropped 3-5 inches of rain in many areas, meaning soils are already saturated.

While the South Coast is expected to receive the brunt of the storm, officials are concerned about other county areas.

“We’re worried we may experience flooding countywide,” Brown said, noting that the major storm that struck the county in January 2023 caused damage in North County communities including Orcutt and Guadalupe.

The Sheriff’s Department is increasing staffing ahead of the storm, as is the county Fire Department.

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service warns the storm will have even stronger impacts than the damaging Jan. 9, 2023 storm for southern Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.

Here’s more information about local sandbag stations and how to prepare for winter storms.