Video shows cars submerged and residents wading through floodwater in Santa Barbara

Severe flooding has hammered California after three days of torrential rain.

A video filmed in Santa Barbara in the US state shows cars submerged almost halfway and residents wading through floodwater.

Another video, also captured in Santa Barbara, shows flash flooding rushing past an apartment complex on Bath Street.

Similar scenes were seen in Oxnard, which was hit with 3.18 inches of rain, while its monthly average for December was 2.56.

Downpours began on Wednesday and according to local media, some parts of Santa Barbara have seen up to six inches of rain.