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6 killed in Santa Barbara County as storm triggers mudflows

By ABC7.com staff
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
At least two people have died in weather-related incidents in Santa Barbara as the Southland's first major winter storm prompted mudflows in the Thomas Fire burn area.
MONTECITO, California -- At least six people have died in weather-related incidents in Santa Barbara County, authorities said Tuesday, as the Southland's first major winter storm prompted flooding and mudflows that forced the closure of the 101 Freeway in the Thomas Fire burn area.

The fatalities occurred in the Montecito area, according to a county sheriff's spokesperson. Details of the circumstances were not immediately disclosed.

The California Highway Patrol shut down the northbound 101 at Route 126 in Ventura, and the southbound 101 was closed just south of Santa Barbara.

In this Jan. 15, 2018 image, the 101 Fwy is seen under water and mud as clean-up crews work to clear roads in Montecito. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)AP
"January Storms- 7 am morning briefing for the FF’s, SAR, Law and Military Personnel underway at the Incident Command Post at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara."none
"The sun sets behind US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass which remains flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek."none
"Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit’s Fire Copter 308 flies through a rainbow Tuesday afternoon while on a rescue mission in Montecito."none
"A Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Rescue Vehicle is staged while trying to get past vehicles on Hot Springs Road in Montecito."none
"SB Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel along with Santa Barbara County Firefighters drive on Olive Mill Road in Montecito."none
"A rainbow forms above Montecito while law enforcement and the curious survey the destruction on Hot Springs Road in Montecito."none
"A vehicle was wrapped and tangled around a tree by the force of deadly flood waters on Hot Springs Road in Montecito."none
"Detail of a Mercedes-Benz hood ornament that has been covered in runoff mud and debris. The vehicle was moved by flood waters and destroyed."none
"A semi-tractor trailer sits stuck in mud on US Highway 101 northbound just south of the San Ysidro Road offramp in Montecito."none
"Damage to guest cottages at the storied San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito due to deadly mudflow from overnight heavy rain."none
"Damage to guest cottages at the storied San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito due to deadly mudflow from overnight heavy rain."none
"Damage to guest cottages at the storied San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito due to deadly mudflow from overnight heavy rain."none
"Damaged vehicles that were pushed by mudflow and onto the US 101 Freeway from nearby residential area in Montecito."none
"Damaged vehicles that were pushed by mudflow and onto the US 101 Freeway from nearby residential area in Montecito."none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Heavy rainfall in areas affected by the Thomas Fire have caused flooding and mudflows in Montecito.none
Ventura County's air rescue squad captured dramatic images of flooding in Montecito.KABC
Ventura County's air rescue squad captured dramatic images of flooding in Montecito.KABC
Ventura County's air rescue squad captured dramatic images of flooding in Montecito.KABC
"Damaged vehicles carried by mud flow and debris at the exit of the parking garage to The Montecito Inn at the corner of Olive Mill and Coast Village Road."none
"The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek."none
"The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek."none
"The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad through Montecito is blocked with mudflow and debris due to heavy rains."none
"The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad through Montecito is blocked with mudflow and debris due to heavy rains."none
"The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek."none
"Firefighters successfully rescued a 14 yr old girl (right) after she was trapped for hours inside a destroyed home in Montecito."none
"Santa Barbara County Fire Search Dog Reilly looks for victims in damaged and destroyed homes in Montecito following deadly runoff of mud and debris from heavy rain overnight."none
"Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain."none
"Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain."none
"Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain."none
"Scene from the 300 block of Hot Springs Road in Montecito following debris and mud flow due to heavy rain."none
"The national guard on Coast Village Road. Grateful for our first responders"none
"FF’s tend to a woman on Hot Springs Road while waiting for an ambulance. The woman was pulled by FF’s from a debris pile in Montecito caused by heavy rain runoff."none


The closure was due to flooding, debris flows and an explosion apparently caused by a ruptured gas line, according to authorities.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area use the 5 Freeway as an alternative route.

Elsewhere in the Thomas Fire's massive burn area, Route 33 was shut down north of Ojai -- between Fairview and Lockwood roads, the highway patrol said.

Caltrans also announced the closure of Route 150 near Lake Casitas.


There were no estimates of when the highways would be reopened.



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