[Update: Sun., Nov. 16, 2025, 6:45pm] All previously closed roadways in the City of Santa Barbara are now open, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department, which advises motorists to exercise caution while driving as more rain is expected.
[Original Story] After two days of heavy rain with minimal local damage, Santa Barbara saw significant flooding and storm-related impacts late Saturday night, particularly in the downtown area.
Flash flooding, gusty winds, and falling trees hit the city just after 8 p.m., flooding intersections, stalling cars, and shutting down roads. Mission Street underpass and several Highway 101 offramps were temporarily closed. Downtown streets including Sola, Cota, Salsipuedes, and Laguna were overwhelmed by fast-moving water.
One woman was rescued from her vehicle after water blocked her exit. Several other cars were abandoned or towed after flooding.
The National Weather Service said the storm delivered an intense push of rain Saturday evening, adding to already high totals across the region. San Marcos Pass recorded nearly 10 inches over three days. Downtown Santa Barbara has received over 7 inches, with Goleta at nearly 6 inches and Montecito at 6.6.
As of Sunday morning, no serious injuries had been reported, but tree damage and car accidents were seen throughout the county. One large tree fell across a set of railroad tracks in Summerland, forcing an Amtrak passenger train to stall on the tracks while workers cut and removed the tree on Sunday.
While the worst of it seems to have passed, “we still have gusty winds, knocked down trees, and scattered showers across the area,” said Rose Schoenfeld, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Road closures, debris, and residual flooding may continue to impact travel Sunday. Residents are urged to avoid flooded streets and report hazards to local authorities.
In a Nixel alert Sunday morning, the Santa Barbara Police Department advised motorists to avoid the following areas and intersections:
- Mudslide on South bound lane of Loma Alta between Shoreline and Cliff Dr. (road is down to one lane)
- CLOSED: Cota & Salsipuedes due to flooding
- Ortega @ Salsipuedes
- Salsipuedes @ Haley
- Loma Alta @ Shoreline
- 100 Anacapa Street
- 400 Olive Street
- Old Coast Highway @ Park Place
- Torino @ Calle de Los Amigos
The break in weather may be short-lived — more rain is expected Monday and again Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Monitor alerts via ReadySBC, and visit ReadySBC.org for ongoing updates, and text 93101 to 888777 to sign up for local Nixel alerts.
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