Full Notification

Officials Monitoring Storm System Approaching Santa Barbara County

Expected Rainfall Does Not Meet Threshold Levels for Evacuations

The National Weather Service and County emergency agencies are monitoring a storm system heading toward Santa Barbara County. Precipitation is expected to begin Tuesday (May 1) in the Santa Barbara area and continue through Wednesday afternoon (May 2).

At present, the National Weather Service is reporting an expected maximum rainfall of approximately 0.15 inches total. Rainfall intensity levels are not expected to exceed 0.25 inches per hour. This amount is below the threshold of 0.5 inches of rain per hour that activates evacuations warnings and orders near burn areas. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms in the area that may produce heavier rains.

Emergency officials are actively monitoring the storm and will take the steps necessary to inform the public if the storm increases in intensity. However, residents and businesses should monitor weather reports. For weather updates, visit www.weather.gov and enter a city or zip code for local forecasts. For storm readiness tips, visit www.ReadySBC.org. In Spanish, go to www.ReadySBC.org/es.