Flash Flooding Hits Santa Barbara

news image
Top Stories
23 Dec 2023 3:05 AM

Over 6" of rain in 48 hours led to widespread flooding in the southern California city of Santa Barbara. Streets were covered in fast moving mud and water with cars getting stuck in the flood waters. A reminder it only takes 18" of moving water to carry a car.

Over 4" fell across many southern California on Thursday alone. The showers were very concentrated, with some areas seeing less than 1" while others saw close to half a foot!

The heaviest rain shifts out of Southern California and into the southern Four Corners overnight and Saturday, with generally up to half an inch of rain. As a result, flood alerts continue through much of the region through Saturday midday, until the rain tapers down.

A stray severe storm is possible overnight in southern Arizona as well. While most storms will be sub-severe, gusty winds will be the most likely hazard along with heavy rain and flash flooding.

Heavy rain will transition into Arizona overnight and Saturday as the core of the upper low lifts up towards the Four Corners. Heavy rain will also push into eastern New Mexico and the western Texas panhandle later in the day Saturday, with an additional severe weather threat of damaging downdraft winds.

All Weather News
More
Tropical Storm Lorenzo Spinning In the Atlantic

Tropical Storm Lorenzo Spinning In the Atlantic

The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season has thus f

15 Oct 2025 5:15 PM
Another Round of Snow for the Rockies and Tetons

Another Round of Snow for the Rockies and Tetons

NORTHWEST - Winter weather advisories have be

15 Oct 2025 5:10 PM
Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

A ridge of high pressure has been responsible

15 Oct 2025 5:05 PM
Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

The Atlantic hurricane season has been a rela

15 Oct 2025 4:46 PM
Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

We've been locked in a relatively quiet stret

15 Oct 2025 3:48 PM
Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

As of Wednesday, all evacuation orders have b

15 Oct 2025 1:45 PM
October Nor'easter Wrapping Up For the Atlantic

October Nor'easter Wrapping Up For the Atlantic

A low-pressure system that has tracked up the

14 Oct 2025 1:25 PM