High winds topple trees in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Crews were at Mesa School Lane cleaning up tree debris on Tuesday.

A tree fell in the area leaving neighbors concerned for their safety.

"We’re terrified by the trees and my husband watched they tree fall the morning it happened," said resident Beth of Santa Barbara.

Beth lives near Mesa School Lane.

"The tree used to be straight up and down … it’s probably going to fall in the next rainstorm all these trees are blowing like mad and our neighbors drove through twenty seconds before that tree fell down," said Beth.

Local tree specialist Doug Cicileo said even though the rainstorms have passed, they’re still seeing fallen trees across the city.

"We have really heavy winds after tree absorbs ton of water makes it really heavy and trees blow over," said Cicileo.

The heavy rains and high winds took down several types of trees in Santa Barbara including Monterey cypress, eucalyptus and more.

Last week, Cicileo said his crew took down at least 30 trees in Santa Barbara.

Crews are also working on downed trees in other areas throughout the city.

"A ton private public trees all over the place still in cleanup mode," said Cicileo.

Cicileo estimates his crew is working on two to three trees in the Santa Barbara area every day.