Heavy rain over the weekend clogged Goleta storm drains and left various streets flooded in low-lying areas throughout the city.

In Old Town Goleta, some motorists trudged through deep water at Fairview and Hollister avenues.

However, other street flooding made it challenging for motorists to drive through the roads, according to Kelly Hoover, the city’s community relations manager.

Calle Real at Calaveras Avenue, Calle Real at Fairview, Whittier Drive, Hollister Avenue and Robin Hill Road all saw some flooding, she said.

City officials say the flooding was primarily caused by the intensity of the rain that overwhelmed the street drainage system because it is designed based on expected rainfall.

The drains are not expected to withstand extreme or unprecedented rainfall events, Hoover added.

In addition, the most recent rainfall was definitely unprecedented. Most of Santa Barbara County’s rain is usually expected between January and March.

Since Friday, Goleta had received 3.12 inches of rain, adding more to an already record-breaking water year.

The heavy rainfall also temporarily closed both sides of Highway 101 west of Goleta on Saturday because of mudslides. 

In anticipation of potential rain, city officials say they will focus on routine operation and maintenance of storm drainage infrastructure.