The worst of the storms has passed, but more rainfall is expected tonight and over the next several days, Santa Barbara County officials announced during an update this afternoon. The storm is “probably the strongest we may see this season,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Mark Jackson. The storm dumped anywhere from half an inch to an inch in North County and between one and three inches of rain in South County. The foothills and mountains had just over four inches of rain. During peak rainfall rates, the Thomas Fire burn areas saw 0.6 inches in 15 minutes and 1.09 inches in an hour. There was much heavier rain at the Refugio Pass, with 1.1 inches falling in 15 minutes. “You could say we really dodged a bullet,” said Jackson. Peak wind was reported at Gaviota at 84 mph.
While the worst of the rain is over, Sheriff Bill Brown has extended evacuations until at least tomorrow morning when conditions will be reevaluated. “It would not be safe or prudent to repopulate the areas,” he said. The rescue task force team and special enforcement team members with armored vehicles will continue to be on standby in the event they’re needed. More than 80 percent of people contacted complied with evacuation order, reported the sheriff. “We promise those of you who were evacuated that we will get you back into your homes as soon as possible,” he said.
As a result of the storm, Highway 101 southbound was shut down at Milpas and northbound lanes were closed at the 150. The freeway was impacted by water and mud overflowing from creek beds. The 101 was shut down before any motorist were stuck in the rising water and mud, said California Highway Patrol Captain Cindy Pontes. The 101 south reopened at 4 p.m. today, and the northbound is expected to be open before 8 p.m.