Heavy Rain, Winds, and Snowfall Forecast for Santa Barbara Region

Multiple storm systems to bring significant precipitation and hazardous conditions over the next week

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A series of cold fronts are set to move through the Santa Barbara and Ventura County regions over the next several days, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, high surf, and even snow in the mountains. A Flood Watch, Wind Advisory, and Winter Storm Warning have all been issued as the storms are expected to create hazardous roadways, downed trees, and whiteout conditions.

Why it matters

The incoming storms could cause significant disruptions and safety concerns for residents and travelers in the Santa Barbara area. Heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and heavy mountain snowfall may lead to road closures, power outages, and other infrastructure damage that could impact daily life and commerce in the region.

The details

The first storm system is expected to move in Tuesday afternoon, bringing moderate to heavy rain, with the heaviest precipitation arriving in the evening hours. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are also forecast, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines. High surf advisories are in effect for coastal areas. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Santa Ynez and Ventura County Mountains, with significant snowfall and whiteout conditions expected.

  • The first storm system arrives Tuesday afternoon and continues through the evening hours.
  • Additional rain is expected Wednesday morning, with more scattered showers possible on Friday.
  • Another storm system is forecast to bring more rain on Saturday night into Sunday, with additional rain expected on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

The players

Santa Barbara County

The region that will be impacted by the incoming storms, including the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura.

National Weather Service

The government agency that has issued the various weather advisories and warnings for the Santa Barbara area.

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What they’re saying

“We begin the morning with a few scattered showers and overcast skies but the real rain moves in after lunch. This will be yet another cold front, bringing moderate to heavy rain.”

— Mackenzie Lake, Weather Forecaster (keyt.com)

“Expect hazardous roadways and another round of downed trees. The heaviest rain will fall in Santa Barbara and Ventura well after dinner time.”

— Mackenzie Lake, Weather Forecaster (keyt.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm systems and provide updated forecasts and warnings as the weather events unfold over the next week.

The takeaway

Residents and travelers in the Santa Barbara region should closely monitor the weather forecasts, heed any advisories or warnings, and be prepared for potential disruptions to daily life and travel due to the incoming heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snowfall.