Rancho Oso began evacuations today for 400 residents, campers and staff who had been trapped by flash flooding for days when the driveway, Paradise Road and Hwy 154 were shut down due to landslides and gushing water.

Earlier in the day, staff opened the camp store for those short on water and food; most shelves were already empty; shoppers were careful to only take what was immediately needed and left products for others. A bridge leading to the tent camping area was destroyed by the water coursing through the creek which has not been running since 2017. The well and potable water retention systems were consumed by a raging river that formed in the creek bed that had been mostly dry for decades, and it could be weeks or months before the system can be replaces. Concerns of losing power and more rain in the coming days were also stated. A Santa Barbara County Sheriff met with staff and occupants today to discuss evacuation plans, and many followed the police to Santa Ynez. More will leave tomorrow for Santa Barbara. Video Credit © Amy Katz/ZUMA Press