The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Santa Barbara County interior mountains until 4:15 p.m. Thursday.
The warning came as thunderstorms produced heavy amounts of rain across the area near Highway 33 west of Ojai, Rose Valley, Lockwood Valley, Reyes Peak and Old Man Mountain, the NWS.
The area had between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain as of 1:11 p.m. and rain rates up to 1 inch in one hour were expected, the NWS said.
The area has already gotten a half an inch to an inch of rain. The National Weather Service is estimating half an inch to an inch of rain an hour during the storm.
The heavy rain could cause flash flooding near small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other low-lying areas.
Residents are advised to move to higher ground if necessary and avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Hikers and campers should avoid creeks and streams.
There was a 20% chance of thunderstorms in Santa Barbara Thursday and Thursday night, and a slight chance of showers countywide on Saturday, according to the NWS forecast.