The National Weather Service is a forecasting a significant storm for Santa Barbara County with impacts to Goleta in the week ahead, with the heaviest rainfall occurring Tuesday evening, Dec. 23 through Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Showers are anticipated to be on and off beginning today, Sunday, Dec 21. For a more detailed weather forecast, visit https://www.weather.gov/lox/.
There is potential for flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds, the city said.
Sandbags are available at two locations in Goleta.
• Fire Station 11, 6901 Frey Way and Storke Road, just south of Santa Felicia, across from the Main Post Office.
• Fire Station 14, 320 Los Carneros Road, next to the Stow House Museum lot.
Following are things to know about sandbag pick up:
• Sand and bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Bring your shovel to fill the bags.
• Pick up is open during daylight hours, seven days/week.
• 20 bag limit (additional bags can be purchased at home improvement stores).
• Bags are intended for Goleta community members. Individuals are asked to not take more than they need to allow others who may need the sand and bags more.
• It is easiest to fill the bags with two people; one person to hold the bag, the other to shovel the sand.
Precautions and tips to stay safe include:
• If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, stay off roads and move away from waterways.
• In general, stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, recent wildfire burn areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
• Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from beach areas. This storm may trigger erosion along the bluffs throughout the county.
• Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unexpected power outage occurs.
• Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as umbrellas, sports equipment, and outdoor furniture.
• Take care of those who might not be aware of the weather hazard or be able to react accordingly, especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
• If you hear thunder, go indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before resuming outdoor activities.
Resources:
• Find storm readiness tips at http://www.readysbc.org/StormReadiness.
• For status of highways, visit https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php.
• For status of County roadways visit https://www.countyofsb.org/2116/Road-Closures
• For county sandbag filling locations, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/2219/Sandbags
• Sign up for ReadySBC Emergency Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736723794#/signup.