The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Santa Barbara County, including the South Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains, from 10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 through 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

Because this means flooding is possible in the area, the city of Santa Barbara is offering free sandbags for community members, 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, at two local sandbag stations.

• City Annex Yard, 401 E. Yanonali St.

• City Fire Station 7, Annex Yard 2411 Stanwood Drive

Sandbags are available to residents free of charge. Residents are reminded that the city Sandbag Distribution Policy is designed to assist in the protection of private property only during storm emergency conditions.

Note the following:

• Bring your own gloves and shovels and be prepared to fill the bags you need.

• Fill your sandbags halfway so they are not too heavy to lift and can be stacked properly.
• You may take 20 sandbags per trip.
• To learn how to fill and stack sandbags, watch the video.

For more sandbag information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sandbags.

Contact the Public Works Streets Division for clogged/blocked storm drains or streets related emergencies, 805-564-5454.

Also, residents are advised to stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.