The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southern and central Santa Barbara County in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday.
The Office of Emergency Management sent out alerts saying the warning was in effect for Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Gaviota Coast, Lake Cachuma and Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass.
“A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water. Avoid recent burn areas, low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground, such as a second floor,” the alert said.
The NWS said local law enforcement had already reported multiple rockslides and mudslides from heavy rain in the area, and debris flows were also possible. Flooding and mudslides were reported on highways and roads throughout the county on Thursday.
Some locations expected to experience flash flooding include Los Alamos, Sisquoc, Figueroa Mountain, Highway 166 between Twitchell Dam and the Cuyama Valley and Big Pine Mountain, the NWS said.
A flood watch and high wind warning were in effect for the entire region. The flood watch was expected to last through Friday afternoon, and the high wind warning was expected to end Thursday afternoon.
The Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation warnings earlier this week for properties in the Lake Fire burn area, including Midland School, Zaca Lake Resort, and some homes along Figueroa Mountain Road.