Flash Flood Warning Issued and Part of Highway 101 Closed in Santa Barbara County

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a “Flash Flood Warning” for portions of Santa Barbara County as Caltrans shuts down a section of Highway 101 near Goleta on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026.

The warning includes Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Point Conception, Solvang, Gaviota, Refugio State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, Goleta, Buellton, and parts of Highway 154. 

This warning was issued around 9:00 a.m. and is in effect until 12:00 p.m.

Around 11:15 a.m., NWS updated the Flash Flood Warning to include portions of Santa Barbara County South Coast including, Santa Barbara City, Montecito, Carpinteria, Summerland, Isla Vista, La Conchita, Goleta, Mission Canyon, and Hope Ranch. 

This warning is in effect until 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

These warnings mean that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water.

“Avoid recent burn areas, low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground, such as a second floor,” NWS states.

Highway 101 Closed North of Goleta

Caltrans shut down Highway 101 in both directions north of Goleta on Saturday morning due to a series of mudslides.

Highway 101 southbound is shut down at Highway 1 near Buellton and northbound at Winchester Canyon in Goleta.

Caltrans states that southbound travelers are being directed off at the junction with Highway 1 north of Gaviota and re-routed to Highway 154. Northbound travelers are being directed off Highway 101 at Winchester Canyon and also re-routed to Highway 154. 

Caltrans crews are on site and there is no estimated time for reopening.

In Santa Barbara’s North County, Caltrans, also reported that Highway 1 near Orcutt is closed in both directions due to flooding between Solomon Road and Black Road. There is no estimate for reopening.

In the City of Santa Barbara, the Police Department issued the following advisory to avoid the below intersections due to flooding:

• San Andres @ Canon Perdido Street
• 00 Calle Cesar Chavez Street
• Shoreline Drive between Castillo and Loma Alta

At 4:30 p.m., CHP announced Highway 101 southbound number two lane is now open.

Traffic Update:
US-101 southbound #2 lane is now open. The #1 lane remains closed.
US-101 northbound remains closed for an unknown duration. pic.twitter.com/F3EMNWR7Fu

— CHP Santa Barbara (@CHP_SantaBarb) January 4, 2026