The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, warning that excessive rainfall could trigger flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. The alert was issued at 12:26 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
Forecasters say a moderate to strong atmospheric river will shift south into Southern California beginning Tuesday, bringing periods of heavy rain, high rainfall rates, and strong winds. Widespread urban flooding will be possible, with mud and debris flows likely across foothill and mountain areas, especially near recent burn scars.
What the Flood Watch means
- What: Flooding is possible due to excessive rainfall.
- Where: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties.
- When: Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
- Impacts: Rapid runoff could flood rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas; mud and debris flows are possible in foothills and mountains; urban flooding is likely during heavier downpours.
Storm timeline and impacts
- Through Monday: Above-normal temperatures continue with minimal impacts. A few light showers are possible along the northwest Central Coast, with totals a quarter-inch or less.
- Tuesday: Rain spreads south past Point Conception by afternoon, bringing light rain to most areas by evening. Heavier rain will develop Tuesday evening along the south-facing slopes of the Santa Barbara Mountains, where strong south to southeast winds (gusts up to about 60 mph) could double or triple rain rates. Those slopes could approach an inch of rain before midnight; elsewhere, most areas remain under a half-inch through Tuesday evening. Forecasters say a High Wind Watch may also be needed Tuesday for parts of the Central Coast and southern Santa Barbara County.
- Wednesday (peak impacts): The core of the storm arrives after midnight Tuesday night into Wednesday, tapping deep tropical moisture. Hourly rain rates could exceed one inch per hour, especially on south-facing mountains. Very heavy rain is also possible at lower elevations. Expect widespread urban flooding, numerous mudslides, and potential debris flows in vulnerable areas, including the Santa Ynez Range, Ventura Mountains, and Santa Monica Mountains. Mountain peak gusts could reach 80 mph, with 40–50 mph gusts possible at lower elevations. An isolated thunderstorm can’t be ruled out.
- Christmas Day and late week: Periods of rain, possibly heavy at times, are expected Thursday. Off-and-on showers continue Friday and Saturday with lower rain rates (generally under a quarter-inch per hour).
- Snow: Not a major factor with this event. Snow levels will be at or above 9,000 feet during the peak, lowering to around 7,000 feet Thursday and Friday with minimal impacts.
Goleta and Santa Barbara Open Up Sandbag Stations
Sandbag Station at Fire Station 14 in Goleta (320 Los Carneros Road)
Sandbags are available at two locations in Goleta.
- Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way and Storke Road just south of Santa Felicia, across from the main post office)
- Fire Station 14 (320 Los Carneros Road next to the Stow House Museum lot)
Sandbags are available at two locations in Santa Barbara on Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- City Annex Yard (401 East Yanonali Street)
- City Fire Station 7 (2411 Stanwood Drive)
Here are some things you should know about sandbag pick up:
- Sand and bags are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Bring your shovel to fill the bags.
- Pick up is open during daylight hours, seven days/week.
- 20 bag limit (additional bags can be purchased at home improvement stores).
- Bags are intended for Goleta community members! Please don’t take more than you need to allow others who may need the sand and bags more.
- It is easiest to fill the bags with two people — one to hold the bag and the other to shovel the sand.
Hazards
- Flooding and dangerous flash flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, with enhanced risk on south-facing slopes during heavier bands.
- Strong winds accompanying the front could down branches and create difficult driving, especially over passes and along the coast.
- Rapidly changing conditions under the heaviest rain bands; never drive through flooded roadways.
Santa Barbara County Officials stated evacuations are NOT being issued as of Sunday afternoon. If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave…