Full Notification

Per the National Weather Service, a series of storm systems are lining up across the Pacific Ocean and will affect much of the forecast area this week. Southwestern California can expect between 2 to 3.5 inches of rain across coast and valleys through Friday…and between 3 to 5 inches across the mountains. Locally to 6 inches across favored SW facing coastal slopes including the Santa Ynez and San Gabriel mountains. This much rain in a short period of time could bring flooding and debris flows from recent burn areas. A significant storm will arrive Tuesday morning. This system will tap into a more subtropical air mass allowing for higher rainfall rates and rainfall totals. Tuesday through Tuesday evening will be the time period where the potential for flash flooding from debris flows will be high. There will be a brief lull between storms Tuesday night into Wednesday morning…when another significant storm moves into the region. Once again…expect periods of heavy rain through Wednesday night where additional flooding is possible. Rain will taper off to showers by Thursday…but there will be enough cold air associated with the upper low that some thunderstorms will be possible. Snow levels will generally be between 5000 and 6000 feet with these storms…except lowering to between 3500 and 4500 feet Wednesday night through Friday. Expecting around 2 feet of new snow for mountain areas above 6000 feet. Driving conditions could be hazardous this week. Snow and blowing snow could cause white out conditions at times. As the snow level lowers by Wednesday night or Thursday…driving conditions across the Grapevine and Soledad Canyon Pass could become problematic. In addition to the rain and snow…coastal areas can expect high surf through much of this week. The combination of stormy conditions…winds…and high surf could bring coastal flooding…along with erosion to beaches and damage to coastal structures such as piers. Flooding of low lying beach parking lots…harbor walkways…and campgrounds will be possible…especially during the middle of this week when a very large swell arrives. Residents living in or below recent burn areas…should prepare now for the impending rainfall this week. Now is the time to take action. Finish up outdoor projects and consider preparing sand bags for possible flooding and debris flows. Residents with beachfront property are advised to monitor the latest forecasts…watches…warnings…and advisories as the storms and swells move closer to the region. Travelers and motorists should monitor the latest forecasts and are advised to make contingency travel plans…especially on Tuesday and Wednesday when the heaviest rain and snow arrive. Local commutes could be impacted due to possible roadway flooding and ponding on pavement surfaces. During these events, it is not uncommon to experience wind damage, and power outages. Please report any down wires by calling 911.
In the event of a major incident in Montecito, go to www.montecitofire.com, or tune in to AM 1610 for additional information and situational updates. Get a kit, get a plan, and stay alert! For more information regarding emergency preparedness, please refer to the resource links on our website. Sand bags are available to local residents at Station 1, 595 San Ysidro Road.