Storm to bring rain beginning Tuesday in Southern California
LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - Southern California is expected to get heavy rains from a strong storm system this week, beginning Tuesday.
Rain, heavy at times, is expected Tuesday night and Wednesday morning with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Rain will turn to showers by Wednesday evening.
Forcasters say showery conditions will persist through Friday. Dry weather is expected Saturday, followed by possible showers Sunday through Monday.
Snow levels will also be high through Wednesday.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office ordered residents in several areas previously hit by wildfires to evacuate ahead of Tuesday's storms.
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management said authorities are requiring residents in the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire burn areas to leave their homes.
A Red Cross Evacuation Center will open at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Goleta, located at the Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.
Those in need of assistance with animal evacuations can call 805-681-4332. Shelter sites include:
A map published by the County Office of Emergency Management indicates that much of Montecito is at risk of mudslides during the storms.