Winter Storm Information

UCSB is monitoring developments related to current storm events and potential impacts to our community members. The campus is open and classes are ongoing.

Updates — Sunday, January 22

• Caltrans officials have announced that U.S. 101 is now open in both directions. Word came via Twitter shortly after noon: “Great news: #Hwy101 is now OPEN thru #Montecito @SBCounty! Thanks to our crews & contractors who made it happen.” Some exit ramps, however, remain closed. Details available from CalTrans.

Updates — Thursday, January 18

• The U.S. 101 Highway remains closed to northbound traffic from the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line to South Milpas Street in Santa Barbara. Up-to-date information about road conditions is available via CalTrans.

• The County of Santa Barbara, in cooperation with local, state and federal emergency agencies, has opened the Local Recovery and Assistance Center for victims of the Thomas Fire and the January storm incident.

Updates — Monday, January 15

• Chancellor Yang has sent a letter to our campus community addressing the issue of traveling to campus amid the storm’s impacts on Highway 101 and other local roadways. Find it here.

Updates — Friday, January 12

• CalTrans has announced it will be unable to reopen U.S. 101 between Ventura and Santa Barbara on Monday as anticipated. No new estimated date for reopening the highway was stated. Up-to-date information about road conditions is available here. 

• The U.S. 101 Highway remains closed to northbound traffic from the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line to South Milpas Street in Santa Barbara and is not expected to reopen until midday Monday at the earliest. Up-to-date information about road conditions is available via CalTrans.

Updates — Thursday, January 11

• Effective immediately and until further notice, Santa Barbara County beach ocean waters are closed due to high levels of bacterials.

• Human Resources has posted updated guidelines for implementing administrative leave pay in response to effects from the Thomas Fire, including the storm and mudslide in Montecito. 

• Amtrak has resumed its Pacific Surfliner rail service through Santa Barbara County.

• Student Affairs has posted a new message for students regarding winter storms and final exams. It can be read at: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/home.

Updates — Wednesday, January 10

• Chancellor Yang has sent a letter to our campus community regarding storm impacts. Find it here.

Updates — Tuesday, January 9

• The County of Santa Barbara is posting storm updates and emergency information at https://www.countyofsb.org/ and via its Twitter feed, @countyofsb. Sign up for county alerts at  www.AwareandPrepare.org.

• Current information for Ventura County, including road closures that may affect those trying to come to campus from the south, is available at http://www.vcemergency.com/. 

• The Division of Student Affairs has sent a letter to the student community about the storm and staying safe throughout the rainy season. It is posted on their home page: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/home .

• The Human Resources Department has posted an update for staff regarding current storm conditions.

• The Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) is reminding faculty and staff that it offers crisis intervention, counseling and consultation for all UC Santa Barbara employees. Behavioral health specialists are available to meet with individuals and departments for resources, referrals and trauma-related debriefing. ​These services are confidential and cost-free. More information is available at https://www.hr.ucsb.edu/asap or by calling 893-3318.​