Thunderstorms Roll Into Central Coast

Santa Barbara residents woke up to powerful rumbles in the sky from a thunderstorm making its way across the central coast.

Emergency crews were called out during the heavy rains to assist I several accidents plaguing the city during the early morning hours, and scanner traffic reported power outages in certain areas of the city.

The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for Santa Barbara County. The highest rainfall rates with the strongest storms have been between one half and three quarters of an inch per hour according to the National Weather Service.

Some street flooding occurred throughout the city and authorities strongly advise drivers to slow down and be mindful of all rules of the road. Residents are also urged to be prepared for any type of emergency. Have plenty of water, food, batteries, and a hand radio.

Light showers continued through the late afternoon but that did not deter people from flocking in numbers to Santa Barbara’s downtown, and business continues as usual.

Weather reports indicate a 60% chance of rain tonight with a possible rumble of thunder. Sunny skies follow for the next three days.

© 2012 Red Pacific Media

It’s hot and sweaty – let’s be raw!

My, oh my, has it been hot! And hotter still it will get! Some individuals thrive with the heat. I grew up in northern Sweden where we peak in cool weather. When I lived in New Orleans I was amazed by my encounters with natives from the steaming Big Easy who seemed to become energized by the hot oppressive southern summer. Still, whether we like it hot or cool, we all lose electrolytes and liquid when we sweat. A pinch of some sort of healthy salt in pure water will hydrate your body as well as replenish it with needed electrolytes. It’s especially important to use a high quality salt that contains trace minerals, such brands as Celtic Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt, or Real Salt. A noted healer recommends using mineral-rich salt from the area or continent where you reside, thus in North America the brand Real Salt can be a good choice.

During the hot summer months many people are naturally drawn to a diet rich in fruits and greens. You may already know of the tremendous health benefits of a raw foods diet. You might already be 100% raw, or the oft-recommended 80/20 (80% raw and 20% cooked), or perhaps you have tried it but fell off the bandwagon due to the serious dedication it sometimes requires. Or maybe you have never tried or even heard of it. Raw is awesome! Raw wild or organic foods are packed with enzymes and minerals, and have all their vitamins intact. A raw vegan diet can be a most powerful healing tool! Pure unpasteurized dairy products are also potent nutritional foods. 

Fish and meat products from animals living in healthy environments prepared in safe, slow-, minimally or uncooked ways can also be beneficial to the human body. The raw way of living is a most delicious and interesting world to discover and journey in. The summer is a perfect time to get to know raw foods, revisit them or introduce the idea to others as most people are already favorably drawn to fresh and hydrating foods.

Get inspired by sensuous cooling fruits and veggies:

 Yesterday morning I made a smoothie with a base of homemade kefir, small peaches, strawberries, kale, fresh mint, fresh lemon verbena and raw honey.

I simply poured it into a bowl and topped with plums, banana and hempseed.

For lunch or dinner, try a cold soup paired with a salad:

In the afternoon I made a watermelon soup by mixing in the blender until smooth: watermelon, tomato, strawberries, and avocado with fresh herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper, dressed with fresh mint and basil.

Raw food meals can be very easy to prepare and are delicious!

By: Ottiliana Rolandsson - The Enlightened Actor

Dangerous Heat Wave Continues and Could Soon Be Hitting Your Town

With beautiful clear skies, 75-degree weather, and people enjoying a morning jog and going to the beach in Santa Barbara, you would not think there is an oven of pure heat broiling the central United States, one which is sweeping the country and could soon arrive to the Central Coast.

Triple digit temperatures continue to pound the United States. At least 14 states have been served with excessive heat warnings by the National Weather Service. Several daily temperatures have been broken from Alpena, Michigan, to Miami Florida. Excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories are in effect today for a large portion of the central United States.

The heat wave that has been affecting much of the central U.S. continues to produce dangerous levels of heat and humidity. Heat index values as high as 131°F were reported yesterday. According to the National Weather Service, by midweek the hot temperatures will begin to spread into the eastern states with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Triple digit temperatures are forecast to remain in place across the eastern Unites States through the weekend.

Even national past times like baseball are suffering from this excessive heat. In Monday's Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game. Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay was forced to leave the game early, his face red and jersey soaked complaining of being lightheaded and unable to concentrate, as temperatures at Chicago's Wrigley Field soared into the 90s.

So what can you do to stay safe and avoid seeing the ER during extremely hot temperatures?

Emergency services such as the American Red Cross and your local firefighters recommend the following tips to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids. During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Eat small meals and more often.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• For the elderly, stay indoors and in a cool place.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or you can cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

© Black Velvet Productions 2011 TIME LAPSE COURTESY OF BRANDON DAVIS

For more information, please contact the American Red Cross.

SELECTED HIGH HEAT INDEX VALUES FROM MONDAY JUL 18 2011