Rainy and unsettled weather is expected across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties this week as a series of storm systems moves through the region.
The heaviest rain and strongest thunderstorms are expected Monday, according to the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office.
Forecasters said the storm system could create hazardous conditions, including heavy rain, gusty winds, mountain snow, high surf, and the possibility of thunderstorms.
Periods of wet weather this week. Highest amounts and rates expected on Monday with chances for thunderstorms. Potential for flash flooding with rock and mudslides possible. #CAwx #LArain pic.twitter.com/7DQyaS5k4Y
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 14, 2026
Monday is expected to bring the most intense weather, with widespread showers and possible thunderstorms across the region. Rain chances range from 80% to near 100%, with projected totals between 2.5 and 5 inches in parts of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Periods of heavy rainfall could increase the risk of rapid runoff and localized flooding. Thunderstorms may also produce lightning, strong wind gusts, and small hail, according to the NWS forecast.
Scattered showers and isolated storms are expected to continue into Monday evening and overnight.
Hazardous weather is on the way, that will impact travel starting tonight lasting into the week. Monday’s system brings strong winds, heavy rain, mtn snow, thunderstorms, swell, & possible tornado. Low elevation snow & impacts to I-5, Hwy 33 & possibly other low passes Tues-Wed. pic.twitter.com/jiveKySjHv
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 15, 2026
A Flood Watch is in effect from Monday morning through the evening for large portions of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Flash flooding is possible, particularly in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and in neighborhoods with poor drainage.
Forecasters warned that heavy rain could trigger rockslides, mudslides, and debris flows, especially in hillside communities and recent burn scar areas where soil is more prone to rapid runoff.
Urban areas and other low-lying locations could see localized flash flooding during intense downpours. At elevations around 6,000 to 6,500 feet, precipitation is expected to fall as snow instead of rain.
We advise not to make plans for outdoor activities on Monday as conditions will be unusually hazardous. Please see details below! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/GT6Mbzrx2A
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 15, 2026
A High Wind Warning remains in effect Monday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for interior valleys and mountain areas, including parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Southwest winds of 30 to 55 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 70 mph in the mountains.
These winds may bring down trees and power lines and could lead to isolated power outages. The wind advisory also covers coastal and valley areas, where gusts up to 55 mph are anticipated.
A winter storm watch is in place from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for the mountain regions of Santa Barbara and Ventura.
The Winter Storm Watch calls for possible snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches between 3,500 and 4,500 feet, and 6 to 12 inches above 4,500 feet.
Along the coast, a High Surf Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday evening. Large breaking waves are expected along San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara county beaches, with lower but still dangerous surf along Ventura County beaches.
Rip currents will be strong, and minor coastal flooding is possible during high tides Tuesday and Wednesday. Beachgoers and boaters are urged to use caution and avoid entering the water during peak surf conditions.
Rain is expected to continue in periods beyond Monday as additional storms move through the area midweek.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert, prepare for changing conditions, and monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service as the storm system moves through the region.
Also Read
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- Weather West: Following Whiplash Transition From Record Warmth to Heavy Mountain Snowfall, yet Another Swing Back Toward Warmth
- High Surf and Wind Advisories Remain in Effect for Santa Barbara County
- Fallen Tree Shut Down Highway 101 in Goleta on Monday Morning
- Powerful Storm to Hit Central Coast and Southern California Starting Sunday
Please People….Stay At Home Until the Weather Passes….and even then wait a day or two if you possibly can. Trees are coming down all over the place and causing huge traffic issues. 101 South near Fairview is/was closed this morning due to a fallen tree blocking all lanes. There’s also another tree that came down today as well on Cathedral Oaks between Kellogg and Cambridge. More rain and wind are coming, which means more trees will be crashing down. There’s also a huge potential for flooding and even more closed roadways. Don’t get trapped by rising water! It’s not worth it to head out on the streets unless you absolutely need to be “out there.” Hey, if you ran out of milk/eggs/wine/etc., just hold your horses and wait. Mother Nature can be very, very, VERY cruel. BE SAFE MY GOOD FRIENDS!!!
Sounds like someone already found the wine.
As long as we’re all on the same page when it comes to safety, then I’m good with everyone going home at the end of the day. We all know that some people listen, while others do not (sometimes it’s simply the messenger and not the message….lol). Looks like 101 SB at Fairview is still closed and stacking up. Stay the heck out of that area (including Hollister/Fairview/Old Town). As a side note, once this storm passes, give the hiking trails a few days to become less wet and muddy. Also, consider staying out of the ocean as a lot of lousy stuff gets flushed out of our creeks and rivers….again, NOT worth it!
Whatever makes you feel important.