Update on Atmospheric River Forecast

Source: Montecito Fire Protection District

National Weather Service Meteorologists expect the Atmospheric River Rainfall event to continue over Montecito until early Friday morning.

National Weather Service Forecast for the South Coast

• Steady moderate rainfall will continue over the South Coast through early Friday morning
• Rainfall totals are expected to be between 3 and 6 inches at the coast and 4 to 8 inches on our South facing mountains
• The strongest band of rain will impact the South Coast between Noon and 4 pm Thursday
• Rainfall intensities are expected to be in the 0.5 to 0.75 inch per hour range
• Slight chance of thunderstorms beginning late Thursday afternoon
• Thunderstorms may produce rainfall rates as high as 1 inch/hour
• Strong South-Southeast wind gusts 30-50 mph and up to 65 mph are possible in the Santa Barbara mountains
• Increased threat of rock falls on canyon/mountain roadways, urban flooding, traffic delays, and accidents
• High surf and large seas make minor coastal flooding likely

At this point, no evacuation warnings or orders are expected to be issued for this storm system. However, Montecito Fire Department and Santa Barbara Flood Control staff will continue to monitor the status of the watershed and drainage systems to ensure community safety.

Sand and sandbags are available to Montecito residents at Lower Manning Park, located at 449 San Ysidro Road.

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