United States: Flooding and mudslides in California January 9 /update 1

Event

Heavy rain triggered flash floods and mudslides in parts of Santa Barbara county (Southern California) on Tuesday, January 9. At least four homes were destroyed in the community of Montecito by mudflows and debris from areas affected by recent forest fires. Between 5 to 10 cm (2-4 in) of rain have been reported across affected areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties and rainfall is expected to continue through Tuesday evening.

Flooding, mudslides, and other debris have also created extremely hazardous driving conditions. As of 07:30 (local time) officials were urging individuals to avoid Highway 101 between Seacliff Drive in Carpinteria and Milpas Street in the city of Santa Barbara. Southbound lanes of Highway 101 are closed after Milpas Street. Northbound lanes on Highway 101 are also closed from Highway 126 to the Santa Barbara county line. It is not known when Highway 101 will reopen.

Context

Authorities in Santa Barbara county issued mandatory evacuation orders on January 8 due to the risk of flooding and mudslides in the areas of Summerland, Montecito, Carpinteria, and the city of Goleta. Those areas are located adjacent to the burn areas from a series of wildfires that affected Southern California between October and December 2017. Areas burned by the forest fires are vulnerable to flash flooding and mudslides due to the inability of burned soil to absorb rainfall.

Advice

Individuals in California are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and anticipate significant localized transportation delays.

Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.