A weekend storm is expected to bring “beneficial” rain to Santa Barbara County, according to the National Weather Service. 

The region should see 0.25-0.5 inches of rain, and up to 1 inch in foothill and mountain areas, between Saturday afternoon and Monday night, said meteorologist Kristan Lund with the NWS Oxnard office. 

“The main focus is really over Los Angeles County with this system; it’s more beneficial for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties for sure,” Lund said. 

The frontcounty Santa Ynez Mountains are expected to see the most rain because of the southerly flow of the storm.    

There is a chance of thunderstorms throughout the region, which can bring brief heavy downpours and hail.  

Lund said there is a low (5%) chance of debris flows for the Lake Fire burn scar in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

That 38,664-acre fire ignited July 5, 2024, near Zaca Lake.

At an October meeting, county officials urged residents to prepare for flooding and debris flows in the burn area from rainstorms. 

Emergency officials monitor rain forecasts and know that heavy rainfall, like 0.5 inches in 30 minutes, is likely to lead to a flash flood watch or warning. 

Flash flooding typically involves a heavy stream of water, while a debris flow includes rocks and mud with the thickness similar to a milkshake, officials said during a winter storm preparedness meeting in October.

Snow Possible in Mountains

This storm will bring cold temperatures and the possibility of snow as well.

A winter weather watch will be in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Monday for Figueroa Mountain and other Santa Barbara County interior mountains, with 3-6 inches of snow expected. There could be snow down to 3,500 feet of elevation. 

Higher amounts of snowfall are expected in Ventura County and the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, Lund noted. 

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