Flash Flooding Hits Santa Barbara

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.