The intensity of this week’s rainstorm is expected to peak overnight Thursday, with rainfall in the range of ⅓ - to ⅔-inches per hour, according to Santa Barbara County Aware & Prepare emergency alerts.
“Moderate to heavy rainfall rates . . . may be enough to generate isolated mud and debris flows near burn areas. Communities near and below the Thomas, Sherpa, and Whittier burn areas [— parts of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria —] are strongly recommended to relocate to safer locations.”
The county’s Pre-Evacuation Advisory was elevated to a Recommended Evacuation Warning early Wednesday, with the reminder that if the warning is upgraded again, to a Mandatory Evacuation Order, “all persons must be out of the designated areas by Thursday at 9 a.m.” The California Highway Patrol intends to keep Highway 101 open during evacuations, and will only consider shutting it down if flooding or debris flows threaten public safety, according to officials.