Emergency officials in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are urging residents in recent wildfire burn areas to be prepared for potential flooding and debris flows as a strong storm system moves into the area.

San Luis Obispo County has issued a Shelter in Place order for the Gifford Fire and Madre Fire burn scars and burn scar downstream areas. Santa Barbara County has issued an Evacuation Warning for the Gifford Fire and Lake Fire burn scars.

“There’s a higher potential in those areas if they do get large amounts of rain in a short period of time to deal with flash flooding and debris flow issues,” said Anita Konopa, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Coordinator. “This storm is a little chaotic in how it’s being [forecasted].”

Emergency officials say if people in these

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