Emergency Response Actions from Impacts of December 2025 and January 2026 Storms

Severe storms and rain events in early December 2025 and January 2026 resulted in flooding, sedimentation, and debris impacts throughout Santa Barbara County. As a result of the damages and the need to repair and restore drainage facilities, the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District has engaged in emergency response and will continue to implement measures to mitigate the emergency and prevent or mitigate subsequent emergencies during the remaining winter rainy season. The response activities may include, but are not limited to: debris removal, sediment management, channel dredging, creek and channel restoration, beach sediment disposal operations, vegetation management, and other flood control facility repairs and maintenance. There is not an insignificant chance of additional storms this winter rainy season, and immediate action is required to remove debris from the flood control system in order to create additional capacity in the event of additional storms.