Weather
Southern California Flood Watch: 1 Inch Per Hour Possible Oct. 21-22
Los Angeles, CA – Flood Watches have been issued for portions of Southern California, stretching from Santa Barbara County to the Malibu coast and Santa Monica Mountains, as heavy rainfall threatens s
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-20T20:32:29.656Z
Los Angeles, CA – Flood Watches have been issued for portions of Southern California, stretching from Santa Barbara County to the Malibu coast and Santa Monica Mountains, as heavy rainfall threatens street flooding and rising waterways Wednesday, October 21, through Thursday, October 22.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, rainfall rates could reach 0.50 to 1 inch per hour, raising concerns about flooding in urban neighborhoods, poor drainage areas, creeks and rivers.
Flood Watch timing
Santa Barbara County
8 AM Wed. Through 4 PM Thursday
Malibu / Santa Monica Mountains
4 PM Wed. Through 4 PM Thursday
All times Pacific Daylight Time, October 21 22.
In Santa Barbara County, the watch includes Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Gaviota and surrounding mountain communities.
Forecasters expect the heaviest rainfall Wednesday into Wednesday night, with extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers possible.
Farther south, the Flood Watch covers Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Topanga and portions of the eastern and western Santa Monica Mountains.
The greatest rainfall intensity in these areas is expected Wednesday night, when downpours could overwhelm drainage systems and create hazardous driving conditions.
Residents in flood prone neighborhoods should remain alert, particularly near waterways, low lying roads and areas susceptible to rapid runoff.
Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through standing or moving floodwater.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor updated forecasts and prepare to take action if Flood Warnings are issued.
A Flood Watch indicates flooding is possible, not that flooding is already occurring.
The threat continues into Thursday afternoon before the current watches are scheduled to expire.