Governor Newsom joins storm response efforts in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom joined Santa Barbara County on Friday afternoon to support storm preparedness and response efforts.

The Office of the Governor announced that Gov. Newsom visited the county as "the region has sustained major damage from relentless storms and more severe weather is forecasted this coming weekend."

Santa Barbara County officials sent out an advisory message Thursday evening for another rain storm expected to hit parts of the county starting Friday through to Tuesday.

For more information on the upcoming storm, click here.

Santa Barbara County's Office of Emergency Management provided the following tips for the storm:

Residents should remain vigilant as conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to: 
•    MONITOR the weather
•    PREPARE and PROTECT your home now
•    PLAN on how to get out and where you might go

During Rain: 
•    If you feel unsafe during the rainfall, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the inner most room of your house, preferably on the top floor if you live in a multi-story home.
•    Do not attempt to drive at night or while it is raining, as roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris. 

Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm and working with the National Weather Service. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place are necessary. 

For more information on how to prepare for and stay safe during winter storms and flooding, the county provides more information and resources available here: www.readysbc.org/576/Storm-Readiness.

Click here to visit the Santa Barbara County 2023 January Winter Storm Incident Map.

Click here for the latest weather forecast.