Heavy rains, thunderstorms, wind and flooding are expected to arrive sometime on Tuesday night as Santa Barbara County prepares for another major storm.
The forecast has not changed significantly over the past few days, but the amount of rain predicted has increased slightly, according to Devin Black, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The storm is expected to arrive sometime on Tuesday afternoon, with rainfall rates of as much as 1.25 inches per hour possible in mountain locations.
Santa Barbara and other coastal locations could receive between 4 to 8 inches over the entire week. Mountain locations could see anywhere between 6 to 12 inches, but it could be more.
The NWS has also issued warnings for flooding, high surf, and heavy winds. Black warned residents to stay away from beaches and turn around if they encounter a flooded road.
“It’s going to be pretty windy too. We’re going to have strong south winds,” Black said. “So may sure you stay away from any tall trees. Keep your personal items secure so they don’t blow away.”
The high wind warning began on Tuesday and will continue until Thursday afternoon.
The wind could produce gusts between 30 and 50 mph, with a chance of 80 mph gusts between Tuesday afternoon to Thursday
A new high surf warning has also been issued and will begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday and continue until 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The warning states waves could be 6-9 feet high with dangerous rip currents along Santa Barbara County’s southeast and southwest coast.
The NWS is also warning residents about traveling during the storm due to an increased chance of mud and rockslides. The areas most likely to be affected are Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and parts of Los Angeles County.
A flood watch has been issued for those counties beginning Tuesday and continuing until Thursday.
Click here for available resources and preparedness tips for Santa Barbara County residents. The county is contributing aid and shelter for residents who need it.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has also issued evacuation warnings for the Lake Fire burn area, including Midland School, Zaca Lake Resort, residences on the 9000 block of Figueroa Mountain Road that are accessed from Tunnel Road, and 7401 Figueroa Mountain Road.
For more information on the evacuations, click here.
Weather Around the County
There is an 80% of rain in Santa Barbara after 4 p.m. and a chance of thunderstorms after 10 p.m. Wind is expected to be between 20 and 30 mph, but could reach up to 30 mph.
Santa Barbara could see rain and a thunderstorm on Wednesday, with a chance for heavy rainfall. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 60s throughout the day, and drop to the high 40s overnight.
There is a 100% chance of rain on Christmas Day with a chance of rainfall between 1 and 2 inches. Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s, and nighttime temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s.
There is a 90% chance of rain on Friday with daytime temperatures in the low 50s and nighttime temperatures in the low 40s.
Santa Maria could see rainfall between 1 and 2 inches on Tuesday night. Wind is expected to be between 20 and 30 mph, but may be as high as 40 mph. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s.
The NWS is anticipating a 100% chance of rain on Wednesday with gusts around 20 mph, but possibly up to 30 mph. Rainfall is expected to be between a quarter inch to half an inch.
Christmas Day in Santa Maria could bring showers and a thunderstorm. Forecasts show a 100% chance of precipitation between half an inch and three-quarters. There is also a chance of a thunderstorm overnight.
Friday forecasts show an 80% chance of rain and daytime temperatures in the high 50s. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to be in the low 40s.
Buellton area forecasts show an 80% chance of rain on Tuesday and a 100% chance of heavy rain overnight.
Thunderstorms are possible after 10 p.m., and rainfall could be between 2 and 3 inches. It is also expected to be windy with gusts between 20 and 30 mph, but a chance of gusts as high as 40 mph.
Wednesday brings showers and a chance of a thunderstorm. Daytime temperatures will be in the low 60s, and winds will be around 20 mph. Rainfall is expected to be between three-quarters and one inch.
Christmas Day in the area shows more showers and possible thunderstorms throughout the day. The day is expected to be windy with wind as fast as 20 mph, but stronger gusts around 30 mph. Rain is expected overnight with a possible thunderstorm.
Friday has an 80% chance of rain throughout the day. Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the low 60s. There is a chance of showers overnight with cloudy weather.