This footage was filmed and produced 4 February 2024.

With heavy rain showers forecasted for the upcoming days, the Santa Barbara Police Department is urging caution and prioritizing safety for all drivers in the area. The department is sending out a strong message encouraging residents to avoid flooded streets, as driving through flooded areas can pose serious risks.

Even just a few inches of water on the roads can cause a vehicle to stall and potentially leave drivers stranded in dangerous conditions. The police department emphasized the unpredictable nature of flooded streets and the importance of avoiding them to prevent accidents or emergencies.

Additionally, the Santa Barbara Police Department highlighted the reduced traction on wet roads, cautioning drivers to maintain a safe speed to retain control over their vehicles and decrease the likelihood of being involved in a traffic collision.

In conclusion, the department stressed the importance of not putting oneself in preventable hazardous situations, emphasizing that by doing so, valuable first responder resources can be conserved for emergencies where they are most urgently needed.

A video of Mission Creek at West Haley Street and De La Vina Street in Santa Barbara, CA accompanies this important safety message.