Weather Information and Updates

The approaching winter storm poses no risk to the campus from potential debris flows. UCSB is a significant distance from the areas that could be affected by the rain.

University officials are monitoring weather reports closely and will update students and the entire campus community as necessary regarding transportation, power outages or other issues that may arise.
 
UPDATES THURSDAY, MARCH 1
• In a message to the campus community, the Department of Human Resources  confirms that the prior guidelines for implementing paid emergency leave remain in effect for the current weather event. 
 
• California Highway Patrol in Santa Barbara has announced that “if it is necessary,” it will close U.S. Highway 101 at approximately 2 a.m. Friday, March 2, for public safety.
 
• The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with other public safety officials, has issued a Mandatory Evacuation Order effective today (Thursday, March 1) at noon for individuals near the Thomas, Sherpa and Whittier fire burn areas throughout Santa Barbara south coast (in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria) due to an approaching winter storm. Individuals must be out of the evacuation area by 6 p.m.
 
UPDATES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
The County of Santa Barbara has the most current information about evacuation warnings and boundaries, the Red Cross evacuation center and U.S. Highway 101:
 
• A Recommended Evacuation Warning is in place for the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa Fire burn areas along the Santa Barbara County south coast. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for these areas beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, March 1 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 2.
 
• American Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at Earl Warren Showgrounds for anyone evacuated or otherwise affected by the incoming storm.
 
• California Highway Patrol, the National Weather Service and public safety partners will monitor storm activity to ensure Highway 101 remains open to facilitate evacuations.