Flash Flood Warning Issued for Parts of Santa Barbara County as 101 Closes for ‘Unknown Duration’

[Updated: Sat., Jan. 3, 2026, 11:10am]

Heavy rain Saturday morning prompted flash flood warnings in southern Santa Barbara County, including Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, and Carpinteria, as well as a closure of Highway 101 near Goleta due to flooding and debris flow.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent, according to an alert from ReadySBC. “A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water. Avoid recent burn areas, low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground, such as a second floor.”

The National Weather Service’s first warning, which was issued at around 9 a.m., remains in effect through noon Saturday and also covers Santa Ynez, Point Conception, Refugio State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, Buellton, and parts of Highway 154. In a post on X, the NWS warned, “Ample road flooding likely, including highway 101. Avoid driving through this area. Stay away from small creeks and canyons as heavy flows will soon develop.”

The National Weather Service issued a subsequent flash flood warning for Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Isla Vista that remains in effect until Saturday at 2 p.m. | Credit: NWSThe National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Solvang, Buellton, Lompoc, and the Gaviota Coast on Saturday morning due to heavy rain. The warning remains in effect until Saturday at noon. | Credit: NWS

Shortly after 10 a.m., the California Highway Patrol announced on X that Highway 101 is closed from Winchester in Goleta to State Route 1 “due to debris flow and flooding for an unknown duration.” CHP advises motorists to use Highway 154 as an alternate route and to drive slow and travel safe, warning that conditions may change rapidly.

In its own post at 10:35 a.m., Caltrans clarified that Highway 101 is closed in both directions due to what it describes as “a series of mudslides” near Goleta. Caltrans crews are on site and directing southbound travelers on the 101 off at the junction with Hwy. 1 north of Gaviota, while northbound travelers are being directed off at Winchester. “No estimate for reopening,” Caltrans said.

Highway 1 near Orcutt is also closed in both directions due to flooding between Solomon Road and Black Road, according to Caltrans. There is no estimate for reopening in that case either.

According to the county’s real-time rainfall data, the Gaviota Coast has received more than 3.3 inches of rain since 9:15 a.m. On Friday, forecasters anticipated rain totals through Monday could reach two to three inches in coastal areas, and between four and six inches in the foothills and mountains. Rain is expected to taper to off-and-on showers through Sunday and into early next week.