Warming Shelters Activated At Multiple Locations in Santa Barbara Amid Holiday Storm

Warming shelters have been activated across multiple locations in Santa Barbara County as a major storm brings dangerous weather conditions to the region.

The warming shelters are operating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. from December 23 through December 25, offering overnight space during hazardous weather conditions.

The warming shelters are open in Isla Vista at the Isla Vista Community Center, Santa Barbara at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, Lompoc at 333 N. 2nd Street, and Carpinteria at the Veterans Memorial Building on Walnut Avenue.

In Santa Maria, the Atkinson Center on North Railroad Avenue is scheduled to open on Wednesday and Thursday.

Freedom Warming Centers of Santa Barbara County have activated these warming shelters.

Freedom Warming Centers in Santa Barbara County have been activated for the storm from today, Dec. 23 – Thursday, Dec. 25 from 6pm-6am. Locations in image below. #cityofgoleta pic.twitter.com/yW7MSK0Dp6

— City of Goleta (@CityOfGoleta) December 23, 2025

The activation of shelters comes as an intense atmospheric river system is expected to deliver heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions throughout the holiday week. Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties are under multiple weather alerts.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm will create excessive rainfall, raising the risk of flooding across regions. A high-risk outlook for excessive rainfall remains in effect through Thursday morning, with rain forecast to continue through Christmas Day.

Additionally, flood advisories and flood watches are in effect for low-lying neighborhoods, with potential impacts to roadways. Officials have also issued a high wind warning across the region, with winds between 30 and 50 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 70 mph.

The Freedom Warming Centers play an important role during severe weather conditions through programs such as warming shelters. The program provides temporary, low-barrier shelter for people without housing during cold, wet, or dangerous conditions. Guests are welcomed throughout the night, and pets are allowed, with no access barriers.

The centers were established following the death of a Santa Barbara resident known as “Freedom,” who died after exposure to cold and wet winter weather in 2009. His death highlighted the need for emergency shelters during extreme weather conditions.

The warming shelter program is supported by the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. When fully activated, these centers provide shelter to approximately 200 individuals each night.

As the storm continues, officials are urging residents to take precautions. Residents are advised to stay away from rivers, creeks, trails, and beaches.

Drivers are urged to never attempt to cross flooded roads and should plan alternate routes. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and stay home unless travel is necessary.

🚨Major storm expected. Be prepared for possible flooding in low-lying areas, damaging winds and downed trees/ power outages.
✅Remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly.
More info: https://t.co/dgq0xl5nDQ
Weather forecasts: https://t.co/dDPko6PuPe. pic.twitter.com/0g276GV0er

— SB City OES (@SBCityOES) December 23, 2025

Authorities urged residents to stay prepared and cautious as the storm system moves through the region during the holiday season.