MONTECITO - Residents are keeping a wary eye on the skies since heavy rains caused mudslides, flooding and the deaths of 20 people in this Santa Barbara County community.

According to the National Weather Service, a small storm could bring between 0.1 and 0.2 of an inch of precipitation to the area between Thursday night and Friday. It's enough to get roads wet but there shouldn't be flooding, said Jayme Laber, a weather service hydrologist.

Another storm is expected to arrive Monday, though its strength has yet to be determined. "(Responders) have been preparing for the next possible events," said Brad Bihun, a public information officer for the Montecito mudslide incident, of predicted rain. Bihun said flights have been performed over the area to assess soil and help identify areas vulnerable to the additional rain. The rains could potentially exacerbate what has already happened, he said.

Last week’s flooding and mudslides destroyed 127 residences and five commercial properties. Another 28 people were injured during the debris flow. Three people — 2-year-old Lydia Sutthithepa, 17-year-old John Cantin and 28-year-old Faviola Benitez Calderon — were still missing, authorities said.

Colin Jones, a Caltrans spokesman, said the anticipated rain could slow efforts to clean up and repair a stretch of Highway 101 between Carpinteria and Santa Barbara that has been closed since Jan. 9 when mud and debris covered the roadway.

Jones said rain could push more mud, water and debris onto the roadway. The 101 is not due to reopen until Monday with crews working 24 hours per day on clearing the route, Jones said. Reopening the 101 is Caltrans' highest priority, he added. The roadway serves as a main artery of traffic between Southern and Central California, servicing nearly 100,000 vehicles a day.

Story Date: January 20, 2018