Santa Barbara Announces Free Parking Ahead of Heavy Rains and Floods

The City of Santa Barbara announced emergency storm parking from November 13, 2025, to November 16, 2025, ahead of heavy rains and thunderstorms.

Parking is available on the roof level of City Lot 2 at 914 Chapala Street for residents living in flood-prone areas. Residents must register during the activation window to receive free parking. 

The City has activated FREE Emergency Storm Parking from November 13 to November 16, for residents in flood-prone areas at City Lot 2. Registration is open! Unregistered vehicles will be charged standard rates.

To register, visit https://t.co/BXXV3LtdkC pic.twitter.com/MIn6RAb2hS

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

Storm Parking Procedure

The registration window opened on November 13 at 11 a.m. and will remain open until noon on November 16. Complimentary parking is valid from 5 p.m. on November 13 through noon on November 16.

Residents can register online and park on the roof level of Lot 2. When exiting, they may notify the parking staff, and if the system is automated, they can press the help button on the machine to receive exit validation.

During emergencies, the City will update the storm-parking portal with the designated lot address and registration window. This program helps residents during flooding and reduces the risk of vehicle damage during severe weather.

The notice states that unregistered vehicles will be charged standard parking rates, and the registered license plate must match the parked vehicle for validation.

NWS Issues Flood Advisories; Warns of More Weekend Rain

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a strong low-pressure system is moving across the Central and Southern California coast, bringing rain, possible thunderstorms, and multiple hazards throughout this weekend.

The weather agency expects a brief break in the rain across parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties on Friday, but a higher chance of downpour on Saturday.

Forecasters say Saturday could bring the most significant impacts. However, it remains uncertain whether Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Los Angeles County will be hit hardest.

The flood advisory remains in effect for Santa Barbara County through Friday, 6 a.m. Moderate to heavy rainfall has produced totals between 0.50 and 1.50 inches, with some areas receiving between 2 and 4 inches of rain.

The NWS also issued a flash flood warning earlier for areas with the heaviest rainfall, citing minor flooding in low-lying areas, rising water levels in small streams, and water on roadways. 

According to NWS, potential impacts include roadway flooding and travel delays, falling objects such as palm fronds, rockslides and mudslides on canyon roads, rising creeks and streams, potential swiftwater rescues, and risk of debris flows near recent burn scars.