The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in recent burn areas of Santa Barbara County.

As much as 11 inches of rain expected in the next few days.

(A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Residents in or below the recently burned areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their property. Persons in the watch area should remain alert and follow the directions of emergency preparedness officials.)

The most recent NWS Forecast (3:25pm):

A strong late season storm system will bring heavy rain to Southwestern California late tonight through early Monday. Rain will become heavy at times across Santa Barbara County late tonight…across Ventura county Sunday morning…and across Los Angeles county Sunday afternoon. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday night, with that chance lingering through early Monday morning across Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Rainfall rates between one half inch and one inch per hour are likely during the peak of the storm… which would exceed thresholds determined by the United States Geological Survey to be sufficient to cause flash flooding and debris flows in and downstream of the recent burn areas. Therefore…flash flood watches have been issued for the recent burn areas.

The national weather service in Los Angeles / Oxnard has modified a flash flood watch for the recent burn areas in Santa Barbara County. This watch is now in effect for:

– the Jesusita and La Brea burn areas in Santa Barbara county, from late tonight through Sunday evening

– rainfall rates of one half inch to one inch per hour are possible.

– flash flooding and debris flow will be a threat in and below the recent burn areas.

– Santa Barbara County (as of Saturday March 19 – 5am)

Forecast again upgraded to heavier precipitation Sunday & early Monday (up to 9” – SC mtns)

Flash flood watches have been issued by the NWS for the recent burn areas.

County-wide rainfall in the last 24 hrs at about 0.1″ to 0.5″ – through Sat 8am – as posted to the County website (Rainfall & Reservoir Summary):

Saturday

– Steady rain this afternoon, heavy rain this evening.

Sunday & Monday

– Strong storm continuing early Sunday morning (through early Monday morning).

– Periods of heavy rainfall (& snow at approximately 4000-5000 ft)

– Peak rainfall intensities of up to 0.5″ to 1.0″ per hour

– Precipitation forecast of 2.5” to 5” coastal / valleys, and 5” to 9” foothills and mountains.

Tuesday

– Chance of rain

Wednesday

– Chance of rain

Thursday

– Slight chance of rain

Forecast Area: Cuyama Valley, Santa Barbara County Mountains, Santa Barbara County South Coast

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