Storm moves in after dark

The rain in the forecast began with sprinkles after dark and by 9:30p.m. it was pouring in Santa Barbara and Montecito– a community devastated by the January 9, mudslide and debris flow that followed the Thomas Fire.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the storm with radar and rain gauges.

Emergency Manager Brian Uhl said, “We can see in real time how much rain we are getting.”

They have logistics, safety, operations, and other experts ready to get to work.

Uhl said ” Hopefully we will get a dusting of rain as opposed to high intensity rain and that will help grow back.

He said light rain could help prevent slides in the future.

“If we get a light dusting it will strengthen that soil and decrease the chance for debris flow in the future,” said Uhl.

The rain didn’t stop Arnold Garibay from riding his bike. ‘

“It is refreshing,” said Garibay.

Good samaritans filled sandbags for others.

Jennifer Stafford is a member of the Bucket Brigade who volunteered her time to fill fifty sandbags, She hopes someone will be able to use them to protect their homes form this storm or the next.

Uhl said he thinks the people driving will have the hardest time in this rain.