The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with other public safety officials, has elevated the current Pre-Evacuation Advisory to a Recommended Evacuation Warning for the Thomas, Sherpa and Whittier burn areas (in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria) due to an approaching winter storm. This Recommended Evacuation Warning becomes effective at 8 a.m. tomorrow Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The National Weather Service predicts that a storm arriving Thursday night and continuing through Friday will have rainfall in the range of 1/3 to 2/3 of an inch per hour. NWS informed the County that moderate to heavy rainfall rates early Friday may be enough to generate isolated mud and debris flows near burn areas. The communities near and below the Thomas, Sherpa and Whittier burn areas are strongly recommended to relocate to safer locations for their own safety. High risk for loss of life and property exists.

According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, “If at any time people feel threatened, take immediate action. Do not wait for a notification. Those with access and functional needs and those with large animals should leave.”

Additional evacuation information will be provided by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. If a Mandatory Evacuation Order is issued, all persons must be out of the designated areas by Thursday, March 1 at 9 a.m.

The location for evacuation centers and animal shelters will be announced Wednesday, Feb. 28. Schools will remain open on Wednesday. School districts will contact individuals through their established communication channels regarding school closures.

To determine if you are located near or below one of the burn areas, access the interactive map at ReadySBC.org.