Rainstorm soaking Santa Maria, causing flooding and road closures
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- This week's rainstorm is giving Santa Maria and surrounding communities a significant soaking on Thursday.
Constant rain over the course of the day has added up to well over an inch. Over the course of the two-day storm, Santa Maria has received nearly 2 1/2 inches of rain.
"It started raining at about 8 o'clock last night off and on and started to get heavier," said Jim Wesner of Orcutt. "It's coming down."
The wet weather has made for a treacherous driving conditions throughout the entire day.
Santa Maria has experienced widespread urban flooding, with standing water in many locations around the city.
"There are a lot of puddles to watch for, so be careful to not to speed and go through the puddles," said Jim Reichel of Santa Maria. "You can lose control of your vehicle pretty easily."
In addition, the heavy downpour has caused a handful of street closures.
Early this morning, Black Road, between Betteravia Road and Highway 166 (Main Street) was closed due to water over the pavement.
The roadway on the western border of the city typically will flood and need closure in times of significant rain.
"I see the same thing ever year here at Black Road. I kind of like it because it kind of makes things fun, something different," said Wesner. "You kind of gauge on how much water we're getting by seeing the road flooded. We've gotten close to two inches already."
On the eastern side of Santa Maria, Philbric Road from Betteravia Road to Stowell Road and Stowell from Philbric to Rosemary Road has been closed as well.
There is no timetable when roads may reopen.
The City of Santa Maria said there have been no other major issues to report.
"Santa Maria handled the first storm of the year pretty well," said Santa Maria Public Information Manager Mark van de Kamp. "Our experienced crews were ready for the flood-prone streets, and as usual cleaned debris including several dozen weak tree limbs downed by wind. We filled approximately 125 potholes - a combination of full repairs as well as preventative fills. We are very glad to receive the steady rain."
Storm basins, including ones at Crossroads and Minami Park, have both transitioned from grassy sports fields to temporary lakes.
Van de Kamp said its drainage system is working perfectly.
While the storm may have caused a number of issues, many people are enjoying the precipitation.
"I love it," said Wesner. "We need the rain desperately. Last year wasn't a great year for rain and hopefully, we can get up to our usual rainfall amount, maybe get a little bit more, and fill those aquifers and get things recharged."
Reichel agreed the rain is a welcome sight for an area that badly needs more rainfall.
"It's something that we needed for a long time and it could rain for 40 days and 40 nights and I would be happy as a clam," said Reichel. "We didn't get any rain for November and December and I know that some of the lakes need to be filled. It's just going to help us in the spring and summer."
