DisasterAtlasUSA

This is a record of past federal disaster declarations, not a forecast. Federal assistance figures are aid obligated under specific programs, not total damages. For current threats, check the National Weather Service and FEMA.

Home / Storms / California

Debris Flow — Santa Barbara, California

January 9, 2018 · NOAA Storm Events record

Direct deaths
21
Direct injuries
168
Property damage
$617.0M
Area
Santa Barbara

Event narrative (NOAA)

Intense rainfall generated a large and deadly mud and debris flow in the community of Montecito, around the burn scar of the Thomas fire. Automated rain gauges in the area indicated very intense rainfall, reaching as high as 0.54 inches in 5 minutes. The intense rainfall resulted in a mud and debris estimated to be 15 feet high. This event resulted in the confirmed deaths of 21 residents (2 missing) as well as destroying 128 residences and damaging 307 others. Highway 101 was closed for days due to the mud and debris.

Other notable debris flow events in California

San Bernardino County Mountains · December 25, 200314 killedSanta Barbara County South Coast · January 10, 200510 killedShasta · February 22, 20242 killedMariposa · December 27, 20222 killedNorth Bay Interior Valleys · April 1, 20061 killedSan Bernardino · September 12, 20221 killed

Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.

Debris Flow — Santa Barbara, California, January 9, 2018 | DisasterAtlasUSA