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Even COVID-closed business owners are back to deal with powerful weather, flooding, and storm surges

Sandbags at businesses
Many business in areas prone to flooding are bracing for overflow rain. (Photo: John Palminteri)

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The crawling atmospheric river storm system that's taken its time to maneuver down the Central Coast has given business owners time to make a safety plan in areas ahead of the rain.

Many have shown up to shore up their doors and driveways.

Some have not fully reopened due to the coronavirus crisis and some have had limited hours.

On many streets known for flooding, sandbags and other protections were up at business entrances.

Visible preparation has been done on Anacapa Street downtown, along with Ortega and parts of De la Vina.

In December some businesses were hit by mud and debris when storm drains clogged up during a two-day rain event. Business owners hoped to avoid a second round Thursday.

After a deluge in the Gaviota area, heavier rain began showing up with strong winds on the Santa Barbara waterfront about 11 a.m.


Duke Matthews recalls storms from about 40 years ago.
"I used to surf and I can't surf anymore. I came out in the bad weather      I lived here during the storm of '83 so I know what can happen to the beach. All the palm trees came down."

The breakwater wall walkway was closed because of high surf and waves going over the top.

Downtown help up well with no street flooding.

In the Funk Zone, some low lying areas were swamped by mid afternoon.

In the evening northbound Highway 101 in Summerland just past Evans and Montecito around Olive Mill had issues with clogged drains and pooling water.

At East Beach a fishing boat was ashore and the owner was being contacted by the Harbor Patrol.

For the latest weather conditions in our area, click here.


Article Topic Follows: Santa Barbara - South County

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John Palminteri

John Palminteri is senior reporter for KEYT News Channel 3-12. To learn more about John, click here.

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