It’s been a big storm but, not as big as expected. The cold front moved through the Tri-Counties much faster than predicted Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, leaving us with much less rainfall than expected.
A torrent of water, and even some boulders flowed down Montecito Creek, in Montecito.
In 2018, it was one of the creeks which overflowed its banks during a major storm — debris flows killed 23 people, and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes.
The fear that could happen again prompted evacuations of more than 470 homes in the Thomas, Alisal, and Cave brush fire burn zones on Wednesday. But fortunately, no major problems have been reported.
Rainfall totals of up to 10” were predicted in some local mountains, but the actual numbers have been in the one to three inch range. Gibraltar Peak above Montecito recorded an even three inches of rain.
While the main front has moved through the region, there is a chance of showers, and even thunderstorms through Thursday. The threat of flash flooding has been reduced, but there could still be some localized street flooding.
The storm will give way to sunshine Friday. Another small system will pass through the region Saturday, but there’s a chance of a bigger storm on Monday.
