Previous flash flood watches that were in effect in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties have been canceled, according to the National Weather Service.
Mudslides were a concern in Montecito, where a devastating mudslide killed 23 people last January. The area was burned in the destructive Thomas Fire, which left behind loose debris.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning Thursday morning that was later downgraded to a watch and eventually expired. Flash flooding, debris flows and rockslides are “imminent or occurring,” during the early morning hours the agency said.
The watches were also canceled in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Despite the cancelation, some more recent were still considered dangerous from previous rains.
Rainfall rates were expected to exceed an inch per hour. Residents in Carpinteria, Montecito and Summerland were advised to get to higher ground and not to drive through standing water.
Montecito Creek swelled to a flowing river Thursday morning, video showed.
No evacuations have been ordered in the area.
The storm prompted evacuation orders in other recent burn areas in Southern California this week, including Riverside County,
A reprieve in the rain is expected Thursday, but more rain is in the forecast next week.
Flash Flood Watches canceled for Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles Counties. Threat for additional Flash Flooding has ended. Some areas may remain dangerous from earlier rains. If you evacuated, wait for instructions from emergency officials before returning. #CAwx #LArain
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 17, 2019
Radar at 9am indicates the heavier showers are pushing into eastern LA and western SB Counties as the cold front moves eastward. Light showers continue across SBA and Ventura Counties. Diminishing threat of rain impacts in the next few hours. #LARain #CAwx pic.twitter.com/5X0CQII1NW
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 17, 2019
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the Thomas Burn Area in Santa Barbara County. Rainfall rates exceeded an inch per hour. People should get to higher ground away from streams if safe to do so. Otherwise shelter in place and get to the highest point in your home. #cawx https://t.co/YHinwgJMgc
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 17, 2019
