UPDATE (Wednesday, Feb. 12) - An Evacuation Order has been issued for specific properties within the Lake Fire burn scar due to a higher risk of potential flooding and mudslides. Those properties are identified in the interactive map available at this link.
The order goes into effect at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
People in these areas are advised to:
- Leave NOW. The EVACUATION ORDER will remain in effect until further notice.
- Expect strong winds which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
- Be prepared to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate. You may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or a debris flow.
The remaining areas of the Lake Fire Burn scar remain under an Evacuation Warning until further notice.
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(Tuesday, Feb. 11) - An Evacuation Warning has been issued for areas in and near the Lake Fire burn scar in Santa Barbara County due to the potential for flash flooding, debris flows, and landslides.
Click here for an interactive map of the evacuation area.
A strong storm system is forecast to move into the Central Coast with rain starting as early as late Tuesday night and continuing through Friday morning. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Santa Ynez Valley and interior mountain areas for Thursday morning through Thursday evening.
The Evacuation Warning, issued by the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, went into effect at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect until further notice. Emergency officials say the warning may be upgraded to an Evacuation Order.
People in the affected area are asked to take the following steps:
- Prepare to leave: fill gas tank, load up important documents, essential items, etc.
- LEAVE if you feel unsafe. DO NOT wait for an evacuation order.
- People with disabilities, access and functional needs should LEAVE NOW.
- People who need more time to evacuate, such as, families with children, seniors, and those who require assistance with transportation should LEAVE NOW.
- People with large animals should LEAVE NOW.
- DO NOT attempt to drive while it is dark or raining, as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
For more information about evacuations and weather conditions, contact the Santa Barbara County Call Center at (833) 688-5551. The Call Center will be open until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email at ReadySBC.org.
For the latest forecast, visit the Microclimate Weather section on the KSBY website or download the free KSBY Weather app on your smartphone.
