Batten down the hatches: A storm is expected to soak Santa Barbara County

Something wicked—and wet—this way comes.

A sudden storm is expected to batter parts of Santa Barbara County over the next 24 hours, raising concerns about flooding, traffic jams and potential road closures. 

Forecasters predict that nearly two inches of rain will soak Santa Barbara and surrounding cities. 

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Southern Coast of Santa Barbara County.

No area is safe. 

“It kind of looks like everywhere is fair game,” said Bryan Lewis, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Crews are preparing for floods.

“We’re expecting a good chance of pretty widespread urban flooding,” said Lewis, with a 20% to 30% chance of flashing flooding near burn scars and steep terrain areas.

Thunderstorms have a 30% to 40% chance of thrashing the area, Lewis said.  

Temperatures will stay below 70 degrees until Friday, according to the weather service forecast page. 

The rain comes after a dry season with heat waves and Santa Ana winds, which have increased the risk of wildfires in the area. 

The city of Santa Barbara’s Public Works team will monitor storm drains to prevent any back ups and flooding on the streets, said Stacy Rosenberger, emergency services manager. 

“You’re going to get mud, you’re going to get things moving through the area,” Rosenberger said.

She recommended people act quickly to prepare emergency bags with food, water and medication. 

Motorists should also be extra cautious while driving through slicker roads and highways, Rosenberger said. 

Residents living in high risk flood areas can fill up sand bags at the Santa Barbara Flood Control Shop located at 4568 County Road in Goleta. 

People can also fill up sand bags in other locations of the county including Santa Maria’s Flood Control Shop located at 912 W. Foster Road, as well as in Buellton at 761 McMurray Road.

Rosenberger advised people to sign up for Ready SBC Alerts for updates on storm preparedness throughout the week.

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