Santa Barbara residents started the day with fierce rainfall as a midweek storm “is coming in with a fury,” according to meteorologists.
Rainfall monitoring stations recorded more than 1 inch of rain in downtown Santa Barbara and nearby mountain areas like San Marcos Pass as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Thunder, lightning and downpours hit the South Coast and rainfall rates up to 0.8 inches per hour were reported, the National Weather Service said.
A flood watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon for the storm, which is expected to cause minor or moderate impacts.
Flooding, heavy downpours, flowing creeks and rivers, and mudslides on roadways are expected, according to county emergency officials.
The National Weather Service has estimated Santa Barbara will get 1.75 inches of rain over the two-day storm.
Minor debris flows are possible around the Lake Fire and Gifford Fire burn areas, in the Santa Ynez Valley and along Highway 166, respectively.
No weather-related evacuation warnings or orders have been issued as of Wednesday at 9 a.m.
RAIN IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 🌧️
Rain is expected Wednesday through Thursday, with a Flood Watch in effect for portions of Santa Barbara County, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard.
🚗 Drive cautiously, prepare your home, and NEVER drive through flooded roadways.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe!
🌧️ Weather updates: https://t.co/Nj1iQK4IMO @nwslosangeles
🚨 Emergency alerts: https://t.co/sSTF7OqfOV
#SBCFire #SantaBarbaraCounty #StormSafety #FloodSafety WeatherReady
–
LLUVIA EN EL CONDADO DE SANTA BÁRBARA 🌧️
De acuerdo con el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional de Los Ángeles/Oxnard, se esperan lluvias de miércoles a jueves, con una vigilancia de inundaciones vigente para algunas zonas del condado de Santa Bárbara.
🚗 Conduzca con precaución, prepare su hogar y NUNCA intente cruzar calles o carreteras inundadas.
¡Manténgase informado, preparado y a salvo!
🌧️ Actualizaciones del tiempo: https://t.co/Nj1iQK4IMO
🚨 Alertas de emergencia: https://t.co/sSTF7OqfOV
— PIO (@PIOSBCFireInfo) October 21, 2026
Emergency crews responded to several traffic collisions countywide after the rain started, and there were multiple reports of mud and rocks in roadways Wednesday morning.
Officials advised drivers to take it slow and cautiously since wet roadways will likely become slick.
The morning downpours seem to be concentrated in Santa Barbara and the Highway 154 corridor. Other areas of the county were getting less than a half-inch of rain as of 8:30 a.m., according to County Public Works rainfall maps.
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has storm information on its website. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts through ReadySBC.
Check the latest forecast and weather-related alerts from the National Weather Service by clicking here.
How much rain did you get at your house? Check real-time rainfall rates.
