Ventura County Prepares For Significant Winter Rainstorm With Sandbags, Evacuation Plans

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 3 (KNN) — A significant winter rainstorm is due to impact Ventura County at any time this weekend.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services and numerous other agencies are monitoring the predicted storm and preparing the residents with sandbags and advisories of weather related landslides and debris flow. An emergency shelter has already opened Saturday for residents who may be impacted by the storm and need to evacuate. Detailed evacuation information and advisories can be found on the Ventura County Emergency website.

Sandbags were made available to Simi Valley residents at Ventura County Fire Station 43.

According to the Ventura County Emergency website, rain is predicted to begin to fall Saturday afternoon, and will intensify Sunday evening. Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated through Sunday evening for most areas of Ventura County. A total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is predicted for the coast and valleys, while the foothills and mountains can expect 6 to 12 inches. Strong winds are also expected, with gusts between 50 to 75 miles per hour in some mountain areas. Snow is expected in higher elevations.

Captain Brian McGrath with the Ventura County Fire Department, spoke with the news media and said the local fire agencies are staffing extra personnel and extra equipment throughout the night, and throughout the whole storm. He stressed storm prep like clearing drains and obtaining sandbags for areas around homes that are prone to flooding.

McGrath said to call to 911 if there are issues at your home during the storm so that the fire department can start to help mitigate the storm-related problems. He also stressed to be aware of the potential of your street being cut off, and get out before that happens. Also evacuate early if you know your street normally floods.

McGrath said to make sure you are registered at vcalert.org. You will be alerted to evacuations and road closures in your area once you are registered. He also clarified that when there is an evacuation order, it is mandatory that you leave. When there is a warning issued, it means your area is under a watch or advisory for your awareness. You may leave early if you choose, or could be asked to leave by authorities.

Flash flooding is a concern over the next few days, McGrath said, but more of what the fire department sees is the rising level of creeks and streams and roadways getting blocked because of debris and/or flooding.

Another big concern is the high winds that will accompany this storm. The saturated grounds will compromise many trees that will potentially fall due to the winds, causing damage and road closures, added McGrath.

McGrath emphasized that it’s extremely important that residents prepare for, and follow the warnings and evacuation orders. Get your bags packed and back your car into your driveway to be able to leave quickly.

Finally, McGrath stressed to watch media coverage of the storm from the comfort of your indoor location than to go in person and potentially become injured and in need of rescue.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN