Heavy rains have triggered a series of mudslides across Southern California Tuesday morning, causing havoc with mud and debris flows that have destroyed at least three homes in Montecito.
Officials say the homes located in the coastal community near Santa Barbara were "wiped away by mudflow and debris." Emergency workers are on the scene attempting to rescue people from their vehicles and buildings Santa Barbara officials said.
At least thirteen people have died in connection with the powerful storm soaking Southern California. Details about the fatalities were not immediately available. More than 20,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Thomas Fire burn area.
The 101 Freeway in Ventura County near La Conchita have been closed in both directions because of flooding the sheriff's office said. Officials say it could be up to two days before the freeway reopens. All major roads connected to the 101 Freeway near Montecito were also closed.
Heavy rains have triggered massive runoff in the Montecito area. Multiple rescues from vehicles and structures are underway. Access is difficult/delayed due to-at some locations-waist deep mudflow, trees, and wires down. Avoid the area.
Benjamin Hyatt, a Montecito resident, shared photos of rising mudflows around his home Tuesday morning on Twitter.
Thousands of people are under evacuation orders in Southern California due to worries about flooding and mudslides, including those areas with hillsides scorched by the recent wildfires. Officials say the lack of vegetation that otherwise holds hills together and make the terrain more resistant to floods have been burned away.