Debris Flow in Santa Barbara County, California

Debris Flow February 16, 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 produced a mud and debris flow that resulted in the closure of all lanes of Highway 166 near the intersection with Black Road.

The wider storm

A very powerful winter storm brought heavy rain, strong thunderstorms and gusty winds to Southwestern California Rainfall totals generally ranged from 1.50 to 4.00 inches across coastal and valley areas with 3.00 to 7.00 inches across the foothills and mountains with significant snowfall at the higher elevations. With this rainfall, numerous reports of flash flooding were received. Strong thunderstorms were also observed, resulting in strong outflow winds and wind damage.

Began near Betteravia (34.9542, -120.4912).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 1319741. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

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