Ahead of 'strongest storm of the season,' officials advise: Be prepared

Forecasters warn a powerful storm bringing heavy rain, strong winds and big surf has the potential to significantly impact Ventura County over the next couple days.

The rain will arrive Wednesday and continue to escalate through the afternoon and into the night, with the heaviest rainfall expected overnight into Thursday morning. Gusty winds and high surf are also expected to peak on Thursday.

"This is certainly the strongest storm of the season so far," said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office Oxnard.

The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services warned the period of highest concern for Ventura County is between midnight to 8 a.m. Thursday. The weather service issued a flash flood watch for all of southwest California from 10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon.

Rainfall amounts between 2 to 4 inches or more are anticipated throughout the county, with the potential of 4 to 8 inches in the foothills and mountains.

Areas with south-facing slopes, including around Ojai and hillsides from Ventura to Fillmore, are generally forecast to get more precipitation than coastal plains and the eastern county.

Rates could reach 1.25 inches per hour, raising the risk of flash floods, debris flows and mudslides, according to Cohen. A chance of thunderstorms on Thursday could also bring sporadic bouts of brief, heavy downpours.

As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, less than an inch had fallen around most of Ventura County, according to 24-hour rainfall totals posted by the weather service, though some mountain areas had seen more than an inch. Lightning seen offshore was expected to move into the area late Wednesday night, the service said in a tweet sent around 9 p.m.

To address the risk of flooding, the Ventura County Fire Department has set up sandbag-filling stations at fire stations across the county. A list of stations offering sandbag filling can be found at their website, vcfd.org. Visitors will have to provide their own sandbags.

Although the mountains will receive the most rain, Ventura County's coastal areas will also feel the storm. High surf could bring breaking waves as large as 12 to 16 feet or more, with a high surf warning set for 6 a.m. Thursday through 10 a.m. Friday. The big surf could also mean coastal flooding, road closures and pier damage. A coastal flooding advisory was issued from 4 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday.

"Everyone should be at a high state of readiness for the potential for life-threatening impacts," Cohen said.

In addition to the powerful rain and surf, the storm will cause high winds throughout the county. Gusts between 50 to 70 mph are possible in the mountains and higher elevations. Lower elevations could get gusts up to 30 to 50 mph.

High winds could knock over trees and power lines, possibly leading to power outages, according to Cohen.

"Be prepared and anticipate the potential for damaging winds," he said.

Ben Gallagher, a spokesman for Southern California Edison, said in an email the utility is monitoring weather conditions and will be prepared to respond to potential issues if power lines are impacted by the storm. Anyone can report or inquire about power outages by calling 800-611-1911 or visiting sce.com/outages.

To address the risk to local residents, the city of Ventura will open a foul-weather shelter during the storm at the River Community Church, 859 E. Santa Clara St. Those wishing to stay at the shelter are advised to arrive between 5-6 p.m. Wednesday. Space is limited and priority will be given to those 65 years of age and older.

As of midday Wednesday, the county emergency services office had issued an evacuation warning for residents of the Ventura Beach Recreational Vehicle Resort, 800 W. Main St., due to the risk of flooding along the lower Ventura River.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit also issued warnings to residents near flood zones, including homeless residents living in river bottoms, via the PA system aboard two of its helicopters Wednesday. More information about evacuation warnings is available at vcemergency.com.

To avoid getting caught in flash floods while walking or driving, the National Weather Service reminded residents who encounter a flooded roadway to "turn around, don't drown." It can take as little as 6 inches of floodwater to sweep away a pedestrian, 12 inches to strand small vehicles and 18-24 inches for larger vehicles and trucks.

Santa Barbara County officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents of burn scars from the Thomas, Alisal and Cave fires late Wednesday afternoon. Ventura County Sheriff's officials noted the orders only apply to residents of Santa Barbara County.

Los Padres National Forest officials issued a warning Wednesday to those planning to visit the area over the next week, citing the risk of slippery roads, rockslides, trail washouts and flash floods in the northern half of the county,

Anyone planning to visit "snow play" areas in Los Padres must have an Adventure Pass issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and bring extra food, water, dry clothes and ensure vehicles have enough gas and proper equipment to traverse hazardous conditions.

This story may be updated.

Jeremy Childs is a general assignment reporter covering courts, crime and breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at 805-437-0208, jeremy.childs@vcstar.com, and on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 'Strongest storm of the season' as rainy weather hits Ventura County