By Redaccion
[email protected]
Santa Barbara County announced this Saturday afternoon that there are mandatory evacuations for certain areas, due to possible flooding caused by torrential rains that will affect the Central Coast for the next two days.
An EVACUATION ORDER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY February 3, 2024 has been issued at 2 p.m. for the following areas in Santa Barbara County due to life threatening floods possible due to the incoming storm:
- Properties along waterways associated with the Thomas, Cave and Alisal burn areas.
- Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Dr. down to parts of Ninos Dr., in the city of Santa Barbara.
- All state campgrounds including Gaviota, Refugio, El Capitan and Carpinteria.
These EVACUATION ORDERS are due to an incoming storm arriving Saturday, February 3 through Tuesday, February 6 with the potential to produce flash flooding, debris flows and landslides.
Click here to access the interactive incident map.
Residents should:
- Leave TODAY, February 3 and please pay close attention to emergency alerts.
- Do not attempt to drive while it is dark or raining as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
- Expect strong winds which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
- Be prepared to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave. the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or debris.
The EVACUATION ORDER will remain in effect until further notice.
- An Evacuation Shelter has been openedat the Wake Center, 300 N. Turnpike Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111.
- For Evacuation assistance and additional information, contact the Santa Barbara County Call Center at 833-688-5551.
- For small animal shelter information, call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at 805-681-4332.
- For large animal evacuation assistance, please call 805-892-4484.
- 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.
- For status of highways, visit Caltrans: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php
- For status of county roadways, visit County Public Works: https://www.countyofsb.org/2116/Road-Closures
- For additional information, contact the Santa Barbara County Call Center at 833-688-5551 or visit ReadySBC.org for more information.
Residents not living in evacuation warning areas are still advised to do the following:
- Stay away from burn scars, rivers, creeks, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions, such as evacuating and sheltering in place.
- Roads impacted during previous storms may experience flooding, mud and rock slides.Communities along these roads may become isolated.
- Beaches, bluffs and the Harbor area may be impacted. This storm may trigger coastal flooding and erosion along the bluffs throughout the county. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from beach areas.
- Strong winds can cause power outages. Charge important electronic devices and be prepared in case an unexpected power outage occurs.
- Secure belongings that could get impacted by strong winds such as outdoor furniture.
REGISTER TO RECEIVE ReadySBC ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, register now atReadySBC.org. Receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.
