Edhat StaffBy the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management
An atmospheric river storm is expected to arrive to Santa Barbara County tonight and is forecast to bring strong winds, localized and coastal flooding, and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms.
- A FLOOD WATCH has been issued countywide effective the evening of Monday, March 20 through Wednesday morning, March 22. Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas be prepared to go to higher ground.
- A HIGH WIND WARNING is also in effect for the Cuyama Valley area for Tuesday, March 21. Visit weather.gov/lox for the latest weather information.
Evacuations are NOT being issued at this time. Public safety officials will continue to work together to further assess if any protective actions are necessary.
Residents should take steps to prepare ahead of the storm.
- Preparedness tips and resources can be accessed at https://www.countyofsb.org/576/Storm-Readiness.
- If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.
During the Rain:
- If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the inner most room of your house, preferably on the top floor if you live in a multi-story home.
- Do not attempt to drive at night or while it is raining, as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if emergency protective actions are necessary, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place.
Register for Emergency Alerts here: www.ReadySBC.org.
It’s a “rain storm”.
Cachuma up at 97%, releasing 3,464cfs with Jameson & Gibraltar both spilling again. Didn’t think this would be enough rain to refill Cachuma (anyone know how low they got it ahead of the storm?) but the soil’s pretty saturated. Looks like we may fall short of the remaining forecast rain total for this storm, based on the current satellite & radar imagery. Quite a strong center to the large low pressure area though, so maybe the clouds re-forming out at sea now will bring more rain. Looks like strong gusty wind will probably mess with us for quite a while, and sailors must be having a wild ride with wind even stronger offshore.