Santa Barbara Activates Free Emergency Parking Amid Major Storm Forecast

Santa Barbara is activating free emergency storm parking and other safety measures ahead of a major storm forecast for October 13-15, 2025.

Free emergency storm parking is available from 3 p.m. Monday, October 13, to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, for residents in flood-prone areas at City Lot 2, located at 914 Chapala Street.

According to the City of Santa Barbara, no evacuation is in effect, and the city is not under a flash flood warning or advisory.

Residents must register within the activation window for the free emergency storm parking. Unregistered vehicles will incur standard hourly fees, and the registered license plate must match the vehicle for validation.

The City has activated FREE Emergency Storm Parking from Monday, October 13 to Wednesday, October 15, for residents in flood-prone areas at City Lot 2. Registration is open! Unregistered vehicles will be charged standard rates. @SBCityOES

Register: https://t.co/BXXV3LtdkC pic.twitter.com/I2plJGOBzl

— City of Santa Barbara (@SBCity) October 13, 2025

Meanwhile, an emergency flash flood warning has been issued for Southwestern and South-Central Santa Barbara County in southwestern California, including the Lake Burn Scar area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Doppler radar indicated a band of heavy rain moving eastward from Buellton to Gaviota in the pre-dawn hours of October 14.

This warning is in effect until 8 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Areas expected to experience flash flooding include Santa Ynez, Solvang, El Capitan State Beach, Refugio State Beach, Highway 101 through Gaviota State Park, Los Alamos, Isla Vista, Goleta, Buellton, Lake Cachuma, Figueroa Mountain, Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass, and Santa Barbara Airport and Lake Burn Scar.

Edhat earlier reported that a major storm was expected to affect Santa Barbara County on October 13-15, 2025.

Precautions and Safety Tips

The City of Santa Barbara has advised the following precautionary measures for the residents:

• Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams, recent wildfire burn areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding and recent burn areas should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions
• During a Flash Flood Warning, move to high ground immediately.
• In the event of a Tornado Warning, quickly move to the lowest room on the lowest floor and stay away from windows.
• Beaches, bluffs, and the Harbor area may be impacted. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from 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 umbrellas, sports equipment, and outdoor furniture.
• Take care of those who might not be aware of the weather hazard or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets.
• If you hear thunder, go indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before resuming outdoor activities.