Flash Flood — Santa Barbara, California

1998-02-23 to 1998-02-24 · near Countywide, Santa Barbara, California

Wider weather episode

The final...and deadliest...storm of the month struck Central and Southern California. Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 4 inches over the coast with up to 14 inches in the mountains. Widespread urban and small stream flooding was reported. Most major highways reported closures due to flooding or mudslides. In fact, the community of Ojai was left isolated when Highways 33, 101 and 150 were closed. In Palmdale, up to 3 feet of water was reported at some intersections. In Newhall, one woman suffered minor injuries after being rescued from a water channel. Five deaths were attributed to the storm. In Santa Maria, a section of Highway 166 eroded, killing two California Highway Patrol officers. In Claremont, two students died when a eucalyptus tree fell onto their utility vehicle. In San Dimas, a man drowned when he fell into San Dimas Creek.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5630029. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.