Hurricane Hilary is expected to hit Southern California this weekend, bringing rain, wind, and a chance of thunderstorms with her.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain, strong winds, hazardous sea condition, and coastal storm surge and erosion across southwestern California.
The NWS issued a flood watch for the foothills above Montecito, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpinteria, and the Eastern Santa Ynez Valley.
The flood watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through 11 p.m. Monday, with the highest likelihood of heavy rain happening Sunday night and Monday morning.
On Sunday, Santa Barbara has a 40% chance of rain and thunderstorms after 11 a.m.
Sunday night has a 80% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
On Monday, the area has a 70% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Tuesday only has a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. and is expected to be partly sunny with a high of 72 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Ariel Cohen with the NWS in Oxnard told Noozhawk that Santa Barbara County residents could expect strong winds and heavy rain as the hurricane moves north to northwest.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty about how much rain will fall,” Cohen told Noozhawk. “It could be upwards of a couple to even a few inches.”
There’s a lot of uncertainty, as the storm is still a few days away, but winds are expected to reach 30-40 miles per hour, according to Cohen.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty exactly where this tracks and we just encourage everyone to continue to monitor the latest weather information and be prepared for hazardous weather conditions,” Cohen said.
County emergency management staff put storm-related information and warnings on the readysbc.org website Friday.
“Moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, coastal storm surge and erosion, and hazardous sea conditions are possible. These conditions may start locally as early as Sunday afternoon,” OEM wrote in messages sent out through its alert system Friday evening.
“Evacuations are not being issued at this time. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your local roads and your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.”
Emergency management staff warn residents to drive carefully on wet roads, charge important electrical devices in case of a power outage, secure outdoor furniture, and to leave an area they don’t feel safe in.
“We’re taking all the precautions,” Office of Emergency Management Director Kelly Hubbard told Noozhawk. “Residents should consider what needs to be taken care of at home.”
Hubbard recommends that residents bring in their umbrellas and other outdoor furniture. Residents can also go get sandbags in case of flooding.
You can sign up for ReadySBC emergency alerts here.
The NWS forecast discussion as of midday Friday says life-threatening rainfall and flooding is possible in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties with this storm.
Small streams and creeks could have dangerous flows, and debris flows are possible in recent burn areas.
Hazardous winds will impact Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and the Channel Islands.
Check the Santa Barbara weather forecast from NWS here.
Check the Santa Maria weather forecast from NWS here.
