Huge dumpster and debris seen floating downstream as flash floods prompt mandatory evacuations in Santa Barbara, California

Emergency services have evacuated hundreds of residents after devastating floods hit California. Residents in Santa Barbara, California, USA, and surrounding areas have been rescued due to the widespread scale of the flooding brought on by freak weather. Authorities in California have warned remaining residents to stay in their homes' innermost rooms for safety. One person was seen being piggy-backed across flooded water as the rescue worker struggles to tackle the current. Moments later a huge dumpster was also seen floating downstream along with other debris. The evacuations were issued as mandatory by the local Santa Barbara government for the Southern Santa Barbara County burn scar areas. Emergency alerts were sent out on Monday, January 9 at around 11 am and high-speed winds are expected to continue into Tuesday as authorities remain on high alert.