An atmospheric river storm is expected to hit Santa Barbara County and southwest California this week, with rain predicted Tuesday, Dec. 23 through Saturday, Dec. 27. A flood watch was also issued, covering Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for all four counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and Ventura.
Debris flows and widespread urban flooding are possible, the National Weather Service warned on Sunday. Gusty winds were also predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Areas north of Point Conception could see two to four inches of rain, with peak rates of .4 to 1.0 inch per hour, and four to eight inches in the foothills and mountains; areas south of Point Conception could see four to eight inches of rain, with peak rates of .6 to 1.25 inch per hour, and six to 12 inches in the mountains and foothills. Thunderstorms are possible through Thursday night…