Creeks Flow, Cars Slide, but Stormy Weather Welcomed in Drought Dry Santa Barbara
A stormy morning made for a tough commute for drivers, with several accidents between Santa Ynez and Ventura. Overall, the wet weather was welcomed by local residents who have seen the drought become a crisis.
Resident Roy Washburn says he has lived in Santa Barbara 45 years and while looking over Mission Creek, he said it has been dry for many months. “We used to have frogs in the creek here. They haven’t been here for years,” he said.
The runoff next to Oak Park was strong this morning with several hours or rain coming down from the hills.
Rain was hitting Washburn’s umbrella while he took a picture of the flowing creek and he said, “It’s great. I love to hike in the hills, but it’s been so dry up there it hasn’t been pleasant to go.”
Photographer Sharon Robinson walked several blocks from her home in the rain to get lunch. Huddled under a yellow umbrella and wearing wet weather boots she flashed a smile and said the rain was not a burden on her journey.
“I’m thrilled with the rain,” said Robinson. “The rain is a blessing. I don’t have a car and I wanted to come out to get food. I put on my umbrella on and my boots and just went for it.”
She saw many people who were not prepared. “They have no boots, no coat, no nothing. I don’t know how they do it,” said Robinson.
On Old San Marcos Road, several areas were covered with small boulders, and evidence of a crumbling hillside. Santa Barbara County Public Works crews used heavy equipment to clear the roadway and lanes were never closed.
On Highway 101 there were many problems including an overturned truck near Castillo St., a rollover on Highway 154, and a vehicle into the ice plant in Carpinteria during the morning commute.
Several city streets were gushing with water and there were some areas with nearly flooded intersections including the Funk Zone and parts of State St. in downtown.
Slideshow: First Major Rain Storm in Nine Months Arrives
