The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant storm system that will bring heavy rain and mountain snow with possible damaging winds to Ventura County beginning this evening, Friday, February 1, 2019 through Sunday, February 3, 2019 afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch was issued for portions of Ventura County with rainfall intensities expected from 0.5″ to 1.0″ per hour, with possible heavier intensities in the Los Padres National Forest. The potential exists for localized mud and debris flows in the Thomas, Hill and Woolsey burn areas. Significant flows are expected for the Ventura River, San Antonio Creek, Sespe Creek and Santa Clara River. Rainfall totals will be 1.5″ to 3.0″ for the coast and coastal hills, possible 5.0″ in the Santa Monica Mountains, and more than 7.0″ inches in the mountains north of Ojai.

 

The City of Ojai has assigned staff to respond to needs arising from the storm, and has been working on clearing drains and repairing culverts in anticipation of the storm.

Residents are reminded to check vcemergency.com for the latest information.

 

Expected Impacts:

  • Soft Road Closure: Highway 33 from Fairview Road to the Lockwood Valley will close at 6:00PM in both directions. The duration of the closure is undetermined but may remain in effect through the weekend. Only residents with I.D. and proof of residence will be permitted to access when road conditions allow.
  • Mandatory evacuation areas to include Matilija Canyon / Wheeler Springs / North Fork (extending along Oso Road) – Effective Friday, February 1, 2019 at 8:00PM
  • An evacuation center will open at Nordhoff High School at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 1.
  • Additional road closures are possible.

 

In anticipation of this rain, the City of Ojai would like to take this opportunity to share some important information with residents:

 

Please take a minute to register (or update your address if you are already registered) with VC Alert, so that you are able to get direct alerts in the event of an emergency. Residents may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert

Clear debris from gutters, downspouts and drains so water can flow and drain properly.

Check your roof for leaks and damages.

If required, sandbags are available at Ventura County Fire Stations.

The County of Ventura has also prepared a website to help residents become “Rain Ready.” Residents may visit this website by clicking on the following link: http://venturacountyrecovers.org/category/rain-ready/.