The big winter storm hitting the Central and South Coasts Tuesday night and Wednesday night started in spectacular fashion, with widespread thunderstorm activity.
As of 9:30 Tuesday night, rainfall totals were light, but lightning captured many people's attention. Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer captured this spectacular time lapse photo at Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf.
The heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with up to three inches possible on the coast, and five inches in the foothills and mountains. Evacuation orders are in effect as of 4 p.m. Tuesday for potential debris flow areas in the Thomas, Sherpa, and Whittier brush fire burn areas.
The concern is about the potential for heavy, concentrated thunderstorm activity which could trigger flooding and debris flows.
