Weather Advisory issued for parts of Santa Barbara County as rainstorms approach

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – A weather advisory has been issued for Montecito and the Thomas fire burn scar before a heavy rainstorm arrives to the area.

The National Weather Service expects heavy rainfall in south Santa Barbara County and the burn areas from the Alisal, Cave and Thomas fires are particularly at risk for mudslides.

Weather advisories are alerts about increased dangers from an approaching storm by emergency services so that community members know to monitor the weather before making plans, can organize an evacuation plan ahead of an actual emergency and provide time to protect and prepare their homes.

California's Office of Emergency Services have dedicated emergency equipment to these increased risk areas because the lack of rooted plants makes these burn scars more likely to have debris flows.

Santa Barbara County also has detailed maps available of flood risk areas, burn scars, road closures and potential power shutoff circuits.

Click this link to check out Santa Barbara County's info page about storm preparations you can make before the rain starts.

You can also register for emergency alerts to your phone or email from the county by following this link.