04 Feb 2024 | 06:33 PM UTC
US: Evacuations and disruptions certain in Santa Barabara County, California, as of Feb. 4 due to severe weather
Severe weather prompts evacuations and disruptions in parts of Santa Barabara County, Calif., US, as of Feb. 4. Flooding possible.
As of Feb. 4, severe weather has prompted evacuations and disruptions in parts of Santa Barbara County, California. County officials have issued evacuation orders for all persons in the following areas:
Properties along waterways associated with the Thomas, Cavem, and Alisal burn areas
Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Drive to parts of Ninos Drive within the city of Santa Barbara
All state campgrounds in Santa Barbara County, including Gaviota, Refugio, El Capitan, and Carpinteria
The evacuation orders come as the National Weather Service warns that life-threatening flooding is possible throughout the county, with 8-15.cm (3-6 inches) of rainfall is expected across the area, and 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) of rainfall is possible across the south- and southwest-facing foothills and mountains.
The rain and associated evacuations will likely prompt major transport and business disruptions, with cancellations at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and other nearby airports likely. Utility outages are possible if rain and winds damage the electrical grid, overwhelm the sewage system, and flood water treatment plants.
Heed all evacuation orders. Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
