The anticipated El Niño winter poses risks of flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage across Santa Barbara County. Local roads, parks, and public facilities are particularly vulnerable, as seen in previous storms. Residents in flood-prone areas and those near burn scars from past wildfires, such as the Thomas Fire, face heightened risks. Officials warn that limited federal and state funding could delay recovery efforts, increasing the burden on local agencies. The county's reserves are already strained, with only $4 million reimbursed out of $60 million in storm-related costs for 2023-24 (Noozhawk, 2026).