A major storm has moved into the Tri-Counties faster than expected, bringing heavy rain to parts of the region, and prompting a shelter in place order for Santa Barbara County,
Meteorologists had predicted 2-4 inches of rain for coastal and inland areas overnight Monday into Tuesday. But, some areas already topped 2" Monday morning, with more than 5" reported in some of the mountain areas.
During a news conference, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said that because of the intense rainfall, people should shelter in place. He said when there is a break in the rain, mandatory evacuations will be issued for some people who live in the Thomas, Alisal, and Cave brush fire burn zones.
The Sheriff said similar to what happened with a major storm last week, evacuations will be focused on properties near waterways, where the risk of debris flows and flooding is highest. Most of those affected will be in the Montecito area. Last week, just over 470 homes received evacuation orders.
You can see evacuation mapshere.
You can call Santa Barbara County's 211 line for more information.
DO NOT call 911 in less it is an emergency.
There have been some intermittent closures of parts of Highway 101 in the Avila beach area Monday morning, as well as of Highway 101 on the Gaviota coastline.
There are no reports of flooding concerns at this time in Ventura County.
