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Flash Flood Watch in effect near recent Cave Fire burn areas

Posted at 4:39 AM, Dec 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-04 10:15:51-05

Scattered shower activity will continue through the morning and into the afternoon for the central and south coast regions Wednesday.

A flash flood watch is in effect over the recent Cave Fire burn area, which is in the foothills and mountains of Santa Barbara County. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over this area through at least noon Wednesday, and rainfall rates could be between 0.5'' and 1'' per hour. These rainfall rates could result in flash flooding and mud and debris flow for areas in and around the burn scar area. As a precaution, National Weather Service urges residents in and around the burn scar areas to take the necessary steps and remain alert and follow emergency preparedness actions to stay safe.

High winds are back in the forecast Wednesday morning for the area. A wind advisory is in place for the mountains and foothills of Santa Barbara County through 3:00 p.m. as winds will range from 15-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 mph. The inland valleys of San Luis Obispo County will also experience gusty conditions Wednesday as wind gusts could reach 45 mph through noon, also prompting an advisory. Back at the coast in Santa Barbara County, locals can expect wind gusts from 30-40 mph through noon.

Weather modeling is showing heavy or intense rainfall over the south coast region in Santa Barbara County through about 9:00 a.m. The Central Coast in SLO County could also see heavier rain rates closer to 8:00 a.m. The heavier rain will start to taper off close to 2:00 p.m. but light scattered showers will remain in the forecast through early Thursday morning, particularly along the coast. Temperatures will trend down Wednesday, with the inland valleys staying close to the upper 50s and the coastal valleys and beaches staying right around the 60s.