“Significant flooding is possible” Wednesday night as a slow-moving storm front moves through Santa Barbara County, the National Weather Service said.
Most of the region already received 3-6 inches of rain by 5 p.m. and several more inches were possible, the NWS said in its 6 p.m. forecast discussion.
Rainfall rates — the intensity of rainfall — were expected to be very heavy Wednesday night, with at least 1 inch per hour in foothill areas of South County and possibly up to 2 inches per hour, the NWS said.
“This will likely result in numerous road closures and mud and rock slides in these areas along with significant rises on creeks and small streams.”
As of 8:30 p.m., several roadways throughout the county were reported shut down due to flooding.
At 9:30 p.m., the NWS issued a Flash Flood Warning for the area from the city of Santa Barbara to Carpinteria.
“Between 3 and 7 inches of rain have fallen,” according to the warning. “The expected rainfall rate is 0.75 to 1 inch in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
As of early evening Wednesday, some Santa Ynez Mountain areas had received more than 5 inches of rainfall, including monitoring stations at KTYD Tower, East Camino Cielo Road, El Deseo, and Upper Romero Canyon above Montecito. Even coastal areas near Santa Barbara had received 1-3 inches already.
The city of Santa Barbara activated its free emergency storm parking so residents can leave vehicles in Lot 2 (on Chapala and Canon Perdido streets) until Saturday for free if they register for the storm parking program.
The heaviest rainfall in this week’s storm is expected to hit Santa Barbara County from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a Flood Watch for the region.
The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in effect through 4 a.m. Friday and an additional advisory for Wednesday night.
In the three-hour period ending at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Santa Maria was hit with 1.5 inches of rain. Lompoc and Buellton also recorded more than an inch in that time.
South Coast communities recorded more rain overnight Tuesday, and some mountain areas have already received more than 5 inches of rain.
The South Coast is expected to get hit harder with rainfall and potential flooding later Wednesday into Thursday.
“Between 1.5 and 4 inches of rain have fallen in the area, with local totals over 6 inches in the Santa Ynez Range,” the NWS said around 4 p.m. “Poor drainage areas have already experienced minor flooding in the advisory area. Widespread ponding of water and flooding of low lying areas and intersections will continue through at least early tonight. There may be some flooding of creeks and streams as well. Rocks and boulders may fall onto roadways, especially below steep terrain.”
“Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area through 9: 45 p.m., with local additional totals of 3-4 inches possible. This additional rain will continue to produce widespread flooding,” the NWS said.
Rainfall rates could hit 1 inch per hour in the Santa Ynez Mountains and areas under thunderstorms, which are also possible this week.
The NWS warned that roadway and highway flooding could cause closures, including the Highway 101 section through Montecito.
Caltrans closed the right-hand lane of Highway 101 in Montecito near Olive Mill Road for emergency repairs at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The California Highway Patrol reported a “very large pothole” in the lane. Caltrans said the lane would remain closed until at least Wednesday night. “The heavy rain will not allow for placement of a secure patch of asphalt. Further attempts will occur this evening when the storm passes,” representatives said.
Weather and emergency response officials advise people to be cautious driving and stay away from rivers and creeks.
Not all low-lying areas at risk of flooding are near creeks – like the lower Eastside and waterfront neighborhoods of Santa Barbara – and residents can check flood maps here.
“Current forecasts indicate this storm may cause significant flooding countywide, but especially along the South Coast,” county spokeswoman Kelsey Gerckens Buttitta said.
“If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before the heavy rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave. If you live in an area that experiences significant road or driveway flooding, please be prepared with food and supplies should you become isolated.”
Emergency management officials have not ordered evacuations for this week’s storms as they did for the storms in early January that caused major flooding and damage countywide.
Santa Maria said it will close Los Flores Ranch Park Recreational Open Space to the public Thursday and Friday in response to the rain storm, but should reopen this weekend.
The FEMA flood map is here, which shows areas at-risk of flooding.
Check Caltrans’ Quickmap for highway and state route closures here.
Check Santa Barbara County road status and closures on the Public Works map here.
Find sandbag filling stations here.
Click here to view the latest Santa Barbara weather forecast.
