Flash Flood in Santa Barbara County, California

Flash Flood January 3, 2026 · Santa Barbara County, California

Where the report was made, with tornadoes recorded within 15 miles over the years.

What the National Weather Service wrote

Heavy rainfall resulted in the closure of all lanes of Highway 101 due to flash flooding and mudflows from the intersection of Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway to Winchester Road in Goleta.

The wider storm

A powerful winter storm brought heavy rain to Southwestern California. Widespread rainfall totals between 2 and 5 inches were reported. With the heavy rain, there were numerous reports of flash flooding and mud/debris flows.

Began near Ellwood (34.4259, -119.8899).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 1311185. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

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