More rain in the forecast for Santa Barbara

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

After teasing the Santa Barbara area with a sprinkling of rain on Tuesday, a low-pressure system sitting off the Central Coast unleashed its fury Wednesday with a pounding downpour that prompted flash flood and debris flow advisories.
Weather officials said about 4 inches of rain fell along the coast since Monday and expect up to 7 inches to fall by the weekend. South-facing mountains could see rainfall totals in excess of 15 inches by Saturday, according to an advisory from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Moderate rain is expected to start falling Thursday afternoon as the system moves out of the region, making way for another pocket of low pressure by Saturday.
“At the very least, moist flow off the Pacific will likely keep periods of rain across southwestern California Friday through Saturday,” according to the advisory. “The frontal band associated with that system has the potential to bring a period of very heavy to excessive rainfall to the area sometime between Friday afternoon and Saturday night.”
Authorities issued a flash flood watch Wednesday for Santa Barbara County effective through the evening. Officials also extended an urban and small stream flood advisory into the afternoon and warned travelers to use caution at higher elevations.
“Heavy snow in the mountains as well as near-zero visibilities in snow and blowing snow will make mountain travel treacherous,” according to a NOAA advisory. “Heavy rain will create flooding hazards as well as slick, hazardous roadways. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms, which will produce very hazardous lightning.”
Snow levels are expected to drop to around 3,000 feet, with elevations of 4,000 feet and higher receiving between 1 and 2 feet of snow. About an inch of snow fell on Highway 154 at the summit of San Marcos Pass on Wednesday, according to California Highway Patrol dispatchers, and authorities set up signs recommending snow chains at the base of Figueroa Mountain Road.
Authorities also warned motorists against attempting to cross flooded roadways, urging them to find alternative routes.
“It takes only a few inches of swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away,” according to the advisory.
In anticipation of continuing rainfall, Santa Barbara International Film Festival organizers decided to scrap plans to hold the opening night after-party at Paseo Nuevo Thursday evening, choosing to set up tents on State Street at the Arlington Theater. Film fest officials said putting up tents at Paseo Nuevo would prove too difficult.