A map showing forecasted rain totals through Thursday night in Santa Barbara County and the region.
A map showing forecasted rain totals through Thursday night in Santa Barbara County and the region. Credit: National Weather Service illustration

A flood watch will be in effect Wednesday night through Thursday night as Santa Barbara County gets more rain from the first of two storms this week. 

The National Weather Service forecasts another 1-2 inches of rain through Thursday, with more in mountain areas. There will be a small break Friday before another storm hits the region this weekend, NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell said. 

For both storms, the potential impacts include downed trees, rockslides, mudslides, strong flows in rivers and creeks, and some minor coastal flooding, he said. 

The chance of downed trees is higher due to saturated soil and high winds, he added. 

What the NWS is calling Storm 2 has potential to last Saturday through Tuesday with “some pretty healthy totals” of rainfall, Kittell said. The most likely outcome is for another 2-4 inches of rain, with 4-8 inches more in the mountains and foothills. 

Heavy rain is possible during this week's storm, the National Weather Service said.
Heavy rain is possible during this week’s storm, the National Weather Service said. Credit: National Weather Service illustration

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the South Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Thursday. 

This week’s storms could cause flooding and debris flows since the ground is still very saturated from last week’s storms, the NWS says. 

Santa Barbara County has received 89% of its normal yearly rainfall amount as of Wednesday, and Lake Cachuma had already exceeded 100%, according to the county’s monitoring stations. 

That reservoir is at 98% capacity and the Bureau of Reclamation has done proactive water releases to avoid uncontrolled spilling downstream of Bradbury Dam. 

Aerial view of water from Lake Cachuma being released through Bradbury Dam.
Aerial view of water from Lake Cachuma being released through Bradbury Dam. Credit: Peter Hartmann / Noozhawk photo
Santa Barbara County rainfall totals for the current water year, which runs September 2025 through August 2026.
Santa Barbara County rainfall totals for the current water year, which runs September 2025 through August 2026. Credit: Giana Magnoli / Noozhawk illustration

Wind & Beach Advisories 

A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 3 p.m. Thursday, with winds of 15-25 mph expected and gusts up to 45 mph. 

The NWS also issued a beach hazards statement for Santa Barbara County, with a forecast of dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf. 

“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore,” the NWS says. 

Peak high tides are expected between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Thursday, shifting to 7 p.m.-11 a.m. by Sunday, the NWS says. Coastal flood advisories could be issued for the weekend due to swells on top of high tides. 

Check the latest weather-related forecasts and alerts from the NWS here.

The National Weather Service released New Year's Day rainfall records for the region. This week's storm will make the New Year a wet one.
The National Weather Service released New Year’s Day rainfall records for the region. This week’s storm will make the New Year a wet one. Credit: National Weather Service illustration

Warming Shelters Open

Freedom Warming Shelters are activating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday due to the cold, rainy conditions. Locations include: 

  • Santa Maria Atkinson Center at 1000 N. Railroad Ave.
  • Lompoc at 333 N 2nd St.
  • Santa Barbara First United Methodist at 305 E Anapamu St.
  • Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Building at 941 Walnut Ave.

Noozhawk executive editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.