Southern California Storms Cause Flooding and Disruptions in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

Heavy rainfall across Southern California on Saturday led to significant disruptions, particularly in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The Santa Barbara Airport suspended all flights around noon due to flooded runways, with officials uncertain about the reopening timeline. Travelers were advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

The storm also caused extensive road closures. A 27-mile stretch of the 101 Freeway, from the junction of SR1 and Highway 1 to Winchester Canyon Road in Goleta, was shut down due to heavy flooding. Additionally, Caltrans closed a 3.6-mile section of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, a region prone to mudslides. Reopening of these roads depends on improved weather and road conditions.

The National Weather Service forecasts continued rainfall through Tuesday, with the heaviest downpours expected to taper off by midday Monday. Meteorologist Robbie Munroe noted that even light rain could pose hazards following previous heavy storms, stating, "There is only so much room for that rain to go, so it could still be a little hazardous out there."

As the storm system moves south into Los Angeles County, it is expected to weaken. However, there remains a 20% chance of mudslides in recent burn areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn scars. A flood advisory was issued for the Santa Clarita Valley and northwest L.A. County mountains, warning of minor flooding in low-lying areas and potential debris flows near steep terrain and recent burn scars.

In Northern California, a combination of heavy rain, large swells, and abnormally high king tides led to coastal flooding, particularly around San Francisco's Embarcadero and parts of Marin County. High surf was reported near Half Moon Bay, and flooding occurred in the Elkhorn Slough area of northern Monterey County along Highway 1. Meteorologist Dial Hoang indicated that while high tides could cause additional coastal flooding on Sunday, conditions are expected to improve by Monday.