Shelter in Place Preparation for Alisal Fire Burn Area

By edhat staff

Officials are warning residents in the Alisal Fire burn area to be prepared to shelter in place if thunderstorms occur.

A text message alert went out before noon on Thursday alerting residents in the area to stay inside or go to higher ground if thunderstorms take place starting Thursday through the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for all of Santa Barbara County including the Alisal Burn Scar until 4:00 pm on Thursday. Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris. Do not call 911 unless you are having an emergency.

As of Thursday morning, there has been 0.50” to 1.25” of light rain in Santa Barbara County. Heavier rain is expected with maximum rain rates between 0.5-0.75” per hour from 11am-4pm with thunderstorms expected from 2 a.m. – 10 a.m. Friday morning.

Light to moderate rain is expected through Saturday and then a chance of rain the following Monday through Wednesday.

Emergency officials encourage motorists to drive with lights on the low beam as high beams reflect off of precipitation and impair visibility.

Storm updates can be found at readysbc.org.