Series of smaller storms expected over MLK holiday weekend
A series of winter storms will bring additional rainfall to Ventura County over the upcoming holiday weekend, though significantly less than the heavy rains that started the week, according to the National Weather Service.
The first bout of rain will begin Friday night into early Saturday morning and will be the weakest of the incoming storm systems, according to forecasts. The next round will move into the region Saturday afternoon through Saturday night, with some lingering showers on Sunday. The last storm will begin Sunday night and go through Tuesday.
"These are fairly quick-moving systems compared to the last storm," said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the weather agency's Oxnard office.
Between Friday and Sunday night, forecasters estimate 0.75 to 1.5 inches for coasts and valleys, while Ventura County mountains could get 1.5 to 3 inches.
Monday's predicted totals are less clear and Sirard said the forecast may change in coming days. Monday is a federal holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rainfall rates will largely peak between 0.25 to 0.5 inches per hour, low enough to avoid the risk of debris flows. The rain may cause minor localized flooding along roadways, according to Sirard, but no flood warnings were planned as of midday Thursday.
The storms will continue to saturate a region that has been soaked to flood levels thanks to a strong Pacific storm system. Flooding, mud, rocks and debris closed Highway 101, Highway 126 and other routes around Ventura County Monday and Tuesday. Local streets and some homes were also impacted. Most highways had reopened by Thursday with the exception of Highway 33 north of Ojai and Highway 150 from the Lake Casitas area to Highway 101 near Carpinteria.
A shelter for homeless people is scheduled to open over the weekend at the Ventura County Fairgrounds to provide respite from the next wave of storms. The shelter will open at 4 p.m. Friday and will close Tuesday morning, county Emergency Services Director Patrick Maynard said. Transportation from nine locations will be provided from Ventura, Oxnard and unincorporated communities, he said. Additional information is expected to be available at the website, vcemergency.com.
The weekend forecast includes elevated surf, with a high surf warning in effect from Thursday night through 9 p.m. Saturday. Waves of 9-13 feet are expected with some sets up to 15 feet. Members of the public are advised to avoid coastal waters during the warning, especially along west-facing beaches where the surf will be highest.
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: Series of smaller storms expected over MLK holiday weekend
