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Victor Maccharoli- Left, Ellse Vamos, 7, and Jenna Peterson, 8, build a snowman off Camino Cielo Rd.

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Winter storm heads toward SB

By ERIC LINDBERG — Feb. 14, 2009

A thin blanket of snow in the Santa Ynez mountains is just the precursor to a major winter storm that is expected to dump two to three inches of rain along the coast and several feet of snow in higher elevations beginning tomorrow afternoon, weather officials said.

“We’re looking at Sunday night and Monday as being the really wet time periods,” said Eric Boldt, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It will be heavy at times, and there probably will be some concerns for flash flooding near the burn areas.”

For now, a winter weather advisory is in effect for local mountains, where several inches of snow are expected through this morning. Scattered showers are likely through tomorrow morning mainly north of Point Conception before rainfall begins to pick up, officials said,

Initial rainfall estimates for the upcoming storm system range from one to three inches along the coast and valley areas, with two to five inches in the foothills and mountains, according to an NWS weather alert. Up to seven inches of rain are possible on southern-facing slopes.

“When that system moves in, I think our snow levels are going to be about 3,000 feet during the day on Monday,” Boldt said. “[Local residents] should be prepared for heavy snow, especially if the roads go above 3,000 feet.”

With recent rains and saturated slopes, weather officials warned that the storm system may bring a risk of flash flooding, even in areas not affected by recent wildfires.

Kathy Kefauver, a spokeswoman for the city’s Public Works Department, said the city’s sandbag station will be open at 401 E. Yanonali St. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the weekend.

“We have crews on standby all weekend, so we’re ready to go out and clear the roads or whatever needs to happen,” she said.

An informational kiosk with tips on flood preparation has also been established at Fire Station 7 near the intersection of Stanwood Drive and Mission Ridge Road, Kefauver said.

Authorities urged those living in or below the Tea Fire burn area to be aware of the storm as it approaches and to monitor the latest weather information.

“They just need to be situationally aware off the weather pattern that we’re getting into,” Boldt said. “I think they have a pretty good understanding that if there’s heavy rain, they need to think about moving somewhere to higher ground or maybe getting out of the area.”

Officials said models are indicating another storm may affect the region following tomorrow’s weather event, although it will be considerably weaker. Boldt said there is still a chance of showers through Wednesday.

As the winter storm approaches, local American Red Cross officials are urging residents to be prepared by issuing a series of safety tips.

In addition to listening to local radio and television stations for flood information, Red Cross officials said residents should check their risk for flood by calling county emergency services at 681-5526.

Other advice includes preparing a family disaster plan that identifies routes for evacuation and creates a communication plan should family members become separated.

Officials also urged community members to put together a disaster supply kit with first aid materials, medications, canned food, water, clothing, rainwear, battery-powered radios and flashlights, and any specialty items.

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