As the heatwave scorching Santa Barbara breaks this week, a new forecast for potential coastal flooding and rain rolls in.
Off the coast of Mexico, Tropical Storm Rachel has made a sharp U-turn and is now tracking towards Baja California and Southern California.
While the storm will decrease in strength as it comes towards land, the National Weather Service has issued warnings for coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
In Santa Barbara County, rain showers are expected to start Sunday and last through Tuesday. The National Weather Service warns of minor to moderate risks of coastal flooding, with the highest risk on Sunday.
Winds are expected to peak in the Santa Barbara Channel Sunday, reaching speeds up to 30 knots. In Santa Barbara, winds are expected to peak Sunday night with gusts up to 25 knots.
A build in wave swell will follow. With waves expected to reach up to 9 feet at 11 seconds from a northwest direction in the Santa Barbara Channel on Monday. Those waves will come with high tides, with Sunday reaching a high of 5.95 feet and 5.89 feet on Monday.
A coastal flood advisory was issued for Ventura County beaches lasting through 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
“Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding with elevated surf and dangerous rip currents expected,” wrote the National Weather Service in the advisory.
The advisory also says that the flooding is most likely Sunday during the morning high tide.
Despite the weekend forecast, high-risk fire conditions will still last through Thursday night, Oct. 8.
