Light rain precedes series of storms to slam county
Light rain fell Wednesday evening ahead of a series of storms expected to soak Ventura County.
According to the National Weather Service, three storms will hit the county between Wednesday and Monday, continuing a trend of wet weather to start the year.
Although some rain started falling about 5 p.m. Wednesday, the heavy stuff was forecast to arrive just after midnight, said Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist with the weather service.
The first storm was predicted to bring between three-fourths to 1¼ inches of rainfall, said meteorologist Stuart Seto. The rain will taper off by Thursday afternoon until the second storm arrives in the evening, he said.
The next two storms were expected to arrive Friday evening and Sunday, each bringing more rain than the last, the weather service reported. Friday's storm is predicted to bring 1 to 2 inches of rain with Sunday's totals expected to reach 3 inches.
A winter storm warning was in effect for the Ventura County mountains until 9 a.m. Saturday due to dangerous driving conditions from snowfall and blustery winds. Snowfall could be heavy at times with a possible accumulation of 10 inches above 6,500 feet with the first two storms. Winds between 25 and 35 mph are expected with gusts of 55 mph.
Be prepared
With multiple storms on their way, Seto advised caution for Ventura County residents.
"People should be prepared," he said, warning that power outages are possible.
While major flooding is not expected, burn areas could see mud and debris flows, Seto said.
He advised drivers to stay on major highways as much as possible and to avoid mountain passes. Rock and debris tend to be washed into the roadway, he said.
Additionally, a high surf advisory was expected to go into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday and last until 9 p.m. Tuesday. Waves could be up to 8 feet Thursday but could possibly build and be 10 to 16 feet Friday and Saturday.
"You don't want to be on those jetties or rocks," he said.
The Ventura pier may be closed, if necessary, as a public safety precaution, according to Ventura City Fire.
In anticipation of the heavy rainfall, free sand and sandbags are being offered to Ventura residents at Ventura fire stations No. 1 at 717 North Ventura Ave. and No. 6 at 10797 Darling Road. Sand and sandbags will also be available at the Sanjon Maintenance Yard at 336 Sanjon Road. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
The Ventura County Fire Department will also have sandbags available at their stations. Residents served by the county should call 371-1111 for information and be prepared to fill and transport sandbags.