Officials are taking precautions ahead of predicted heavy rains that could hit the Central Coast today and tomorrow. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office has issued evacuation orders for areas affected by recent wildfires. Residents living in the Sherpa, Whittier and Thomas Fire burn scars must be evacuated by 4 this afternoon. Meanwhile, Caltrans has announced it will be closing highway 1 at Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide in Big Sur today at 5. It will be reopened after the storm has passed and crews have inspected the highway for safety.