Flood Watch and Wind Advisory Issued Ahead of Central Coast Storm

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory on Tuesday for sections of Santa Barbara County, the Central Coast, and Southern California. The storm will arrive on Tuesday evening, December 30, and persist into next week across the region. 

The Flood Watch is in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening where flooding is likely due to excessive rainfall. The warning affects a large portion of southwest California including the majority of Santa Barbara County and all of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. 

NWS states that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas, and low-water crossings. Debris flows are possible near recent burn scars and there is a high risk of rock and mudslides in the canyons.

Rain is expected to be arrive on Tuesday evening with the bulk of the rain expected Wednesday through Thursday, during the Flood Watch.

Rain totals range from one to six inches, depending on the location. Peak rain rates could produce one inch of rain within an hour. Current predictions see rain lasting all the way through Thursday of next week, January 8.

NWS also issued a Wind Advisory for sections of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties through Wednesday evening. Southeast winds are expected to be 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

The weather agency is specifically concerned about the Grapevine along Interstate 5 to the Tejon Pass where wind is expected to be the strongest.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” NWS states. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”

Holiday Storms Swept Through California 

Powerful winter storms lashed through California during the Christmas holiday week, with many locations in Southern California recording the wettest period in several years. The rains led to downtown Los Angeles witnessing its wettest Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to a social media post by NWS. 

An atmospheric river brought heavy rain to the Central coast. The record rainfall resulted in the temporary closure of the Santa Barbara Airport on Christmas Day after the airfield was flooded. 

The recent holiday storm has also caused Cachuma Lake to spill after it reached its full capacity on December 28, 2025. 

Resources

For the latest information, visit the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard Office website at https://www.weather.gov/lox/.

Sandbags are available at two locations in Goleta:

• Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way and Storke Road just south of Santa Felicia, across from the main post office)
• Fire Station 14 (320 Los Carneros Road next to the Stow House Museum lot)

Sandbags are available at two locations in Santa Barbara:

• City Annex Yard – 401 East Yanonali Street

• City Fire Station 7 – 2411 Stanwood Drive

Storm Safety:

• Stay away from burned areas, rivers, creeks, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations during a storm.
• Those living in areas prone to flooding should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as evacuating and sheltering in place.
• Roads impacted during previous storms may experience flooding, mud, and rockslides. Communities along these roads may become isolated.
• Beaches and bluffs may be affected by the storm. Coastal flooding and bluff erosion are possible. For your safety, residents and visitors are advised to avoid the beach areas.
• Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unexpected power outage occurs.
• Secure belongings that could be impacted by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.

Additional Links

• Real-time Rainfall, River-Stream, & Reservoir Information: https://rain.cosbpw.net
• Storm readiness tips: http://www.readysbc.org/StormReadiness
• For status of highways: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php
• For status of County roadways: https://www.countyofsb.org/2116/Road-Closures
• For County sandbag filling locations: https://www.countyofsb.org/2219/Sandbags
• Sign up for ReadySBC Emergency Alerts: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736723794#/signup