Rain, heavy winds, and flooding could impact Santa Barbara County beginning on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service is predicting moderate to heavy rain beginning on Sunday and peaking between 3 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday. Heavy rainfall is expected on Monday and moderate rainfall is forecast on Tuesday.

Most of the rain is expected in the South County, and lower elevation areas could receive 2-4 inches of rain between Sunday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Mountain and foothill areas like the Santa Ynez Mountains could get 4-8 inches of rain in the same time period.

“It’s going to pose a variety of risks for the county, including potential for some heavy downpours at times,” meteorologist David Gomberg said.

The National Weather Service is predicting a 30% chance of rain across the county on Sunday and a 100% chance of rain on Monday. Thunderstorms are possible on Monday as well.

Lower temperatures with this storm mean there is a chance of snow at higher elevations between Tuesday and Thursday.

The potential for heavy rain means there is a chance of flooding in urban areas, with the highest risk between Sunday and Monday. There is also a chance of debris flows, mudslides, rockslides and overflowing creeks.

Robert Munroe, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said there is a chance of high rainfall rates, which could cause debris flows and flooding particularly in recent burn areas.

The National Weather Service also forecasts a risk of high surf and rip currents next week, and heavy winds between Sunday and Friday.

Heavy wind could bring risks of downed trees, power outages, and airport delays.   

Storm Preparation

Ahead of the storm, the Goleta opened its sandbag stations for residents to stock up. The self-service sandbag stations are located at Fire Station 11, 6901 Frey Way, and at Fire Station 14 at 320 Los Carneros Road.

Sand and bags are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must bring their own shovels, and there is a limit of 20 bags.

More sandbag locations are available countywide.

The County of Santa Barbara has not issued any storm-related evacuations or alerts as of Friday afternoon, but is warning residents to leave their homes before the rain starts if they have any concerns.

Residents can also sign up for the latest news and alerts through the county messaging system, ReadySBC.

Check the latest National Weather Service forecasts and alerts here.