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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – On January 9, 2026, the County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local emergency in response to the December 2025 and January 2026 storm events.
Multiple atmospheric river fueled rainstorms impacted the entire county from December 23, 2025, to January 4, 2026. These storms produced heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion, high winds, landslides, and shallow debris flows across the county. Impacts included flooded local roadways, state highways, businesses, communities, and state and local parks; and the temporary closure of the Santa Barbara Airport and highways. These storms required protective actions, continued response throughout the area, and present risks for further damage and risk to life.