Jan 14, 2023 at 03:06 AM

The Montecito Fire Department shares the following message in collaboration with the County of Santa Barbara:

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – A winter storm is expected countywide Friday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Impacts are expected across the entire County with heightened risk expected in south Santa Barbara County foothills/mountains including properties and areas associated with the Alisal, Cave and Thomas Fire areas. 

Click here to access the interactive Santa Barbara County 2023 January Winter Storm Incident Map. 

Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and outdoor furniture. Unplanned power outages are possible. Beaches, bluffs and harbor areas may be impacted by dangerous surf, winds and flooding. Roads may become flooded and inaccessible, creating access issues to vulnerable communities. 

The National Weather Service is advising that scattered showers will move into the area Friday afternoon. Rain will become moderately heavy Saturday afternoon over Santa Barbara County with forecast rain rates up to 0.5” per hour. The National Weather Service expects additional rain starting Sunday evening through Tuesday. Early rainfall estimates show total combined rain amounts of 1.5-3” along the coast and valleys with up to 5” in the mountains. In addition to the rain, the storms will also bring moderate wind, high surf, minor coastal flooding and additional beach erosion. While the upcoming storm systems are forecast to be less significant and evacuations are not expected at this time, it remains imperative for all community members to prepare for potential storm impacts and changing conditions. 

Work is actively underway to clear debris basins and prepare creeks and waterways following the Jan. 9-10, 2023 storm. At this time, several local roads are still closed, including Highway 154, due to rock and debris flows. Crews are working around the clock to clear roads. The storm left several roads impassable and there are expected to be further impacts with the coming storm. Residents should prepare for additional impacts from the incoming storm. 

Residents should remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to: 

• • MONITOR the weather 
• • PLAN on how to get out and where you might go 
• • PREPARE and PROTECT your home 

Before Rain Arrives: 

• Ensure your vehicles have adequate fuel. 
• Have plenty of food and water on hand in case you cannot leave home for several days.
•  Keep cell phones charged.
• Utilize sandbags to prevent flooding impacts around your property.
  • Click here for a list of sandbag filling locations in Santa Barbara County. 

Additional storm readiness information can be found on ReadySBC.org 

Please be cautious while driving on potentially hazardous roadways. Loose and falling rocks, minor landslides, flooded or damaged roadways, down trees and power lines are ongoing hazards across the County that are actively being mitigated by public safety agencies. 

During Rain: 

• If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the inner most room of your house, preferably on the top floor if you live in a multi-story home. 
• Do not attempt to drive at night or while it is raining, as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris. 
• Do not attempt to cross roads if water is flowing over them. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. 
• Cliffs and bluffs are considered dangerous due to the high surf and storm surge. In addition, stay away from decks or patios on bluffs. Under no circumstances, cross safety fencing. 
• Strong winds are also expected, which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages. 

Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm and working with the National Weather Service. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order or shelter in place are necessary. 

RECOVERY RESOURCES: The County is working to gather resources for community members impacted by the January 2023 winter storm event. In the coming days, this webpage will be a source of information, including links for wellness counseling support, housing assistance, information to aid in rebuilding, permitting, hazardous material clean-up, loss of business or employment and other topics. 

• Cleanup Kits: Red Cross is offering Clean-Up Kits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, Jan. 16 at 2707 State Street, Santa Barbara in the rear parking lot. The kits are free and include a bucket, shovel, wet mop, broom, squeegee, cleaner, gloves along with other supplies. 
• Debris Management Resources, can be found on ReadySBC. 
• A Local Assistance Center (LAC) will be open in Guadalupe on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. located at 230 Calle Cesar E Chavez Rd. #234. The phone number for the LAC is 805-343-1194. They will have staff who speak English, Spanish and Mixteco. Local resource information will be available to support residents in rebuilding and recovery from the storm. 

For updated and detailed information, please visit ReadySBC.org or call Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Call Center at (833) 688-5551 or 211. 

For more information on how to prepare for and stay safe during winter storms and flooding, visit https://www.readysbc.org/576/Storm-Readiness. 

To access the Santa Barbara County 2023 January Winter Storm Incident Map, visit www.ReadySBC.org. 

Register for Emergency Alerts to receive any changes in protective actions.