Jan 03, 2023 at 11:54 PM

MONTECITO, CA.– In preparation for another significant storm event this week, a Weather Advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn area. Heavy rain, strong winds and high surf are expected in Montecito Wednesday into Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday.

During a Weather Advisory, community members are urged to:

• Monitor the weather
• Plan how to get out and where you might go
• Prepare and protect your home

The Weather Advisory has been issued in light of the recent storms that have produced 8-13 inches of rain in the last 30 days, plus the forecast incoming storm that may produce 4-8+ inches of rain across Montecito and the Thomas Fire burn scar.

Thus far, the local watershed and flood control systems have been able to handle the runoff properly and are prepared to manage the incoming rain. However, it remains imperative for community members to monitor the weather closely and be prepared for changing conditions that may require evacuation.

The NWS has provided the following forecast for the Santa Barbara County South Coast:

• Steady, moderate rainfall expected over Montecito starting Wednesday
• Rainfall becomes heavy Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday morning
• Heaviest rain early Thursday morning through about noon
• Rain becomes light and showery by Thursday afternoon however, high intensity, short duration thunderstorms are possible through Thursday evening as the front exits our area
• Rain rates are expected to be in the 0.5-1.0 inch per hour range with locally higher amounts possible at higher elevations
• Strong south-southwest wind gusts 60-70 mph in the Santa Barbara County mountains starting Wednesday
• High Surf Advisory for South Coast beaches with waves 8-13 feet Wednesday-Friday

As part of your preparation for the storm, please review the interactive Storm Impact Consideration Map available on montecitofire.com. Areas at greatest risk of debris flow are shaded in red. If your property falls within the red shading, you should have a plan to evacuate.

Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara City Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Fire Department will have extra personnel on duty in preparation for and throughout the duration of the storm to monitor the status of the watershed and drainage systems to ensure community safety, along with our partners from Santa Barbara County Flood Control.

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

REGISTER TO RECEIVE PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, please do so at ReadySBC.org. Click on the red icon to register to receive emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.