5 killed in Santa Barbara County as storm triggers mudflows; 101 Fwy closed north of Ventura

At least five 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.

Two of the fatalities occurred in the Montecito area, according to a county sheriff’s spokesperson, who later confirmed three additional fatalities. Details of the circumstances were not immediately disclosed.