Storm Could Bring Flooding and Slides

Showers will continue throughout Ventura County this morning with a strong possibility of flooding, mud- and rockslides and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.

Spring’s first Pacific storm dropped 0.12 of an inch of rain in parts of the county by Tuesday evening. Up to 2 inches of rain is expected by tonight, according to Stuart Seto, a weather specialist at the weather service.

There is a 30% chance of thunderstorms and lightning today. Thunderstorms were reported over the Channel Islands on Tuesday night, Seto said. Surf levels could average 5 feet today with swells as high as 8 feet.

Mountain areas, especially those facing south, could receive 3 to 5 inches of rain by nightfall, Seto said. “The dangers will be on very steep slopes. If people noticed shifting or moving earlier, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out,” Seto said of potential rock- and mudslides.

An urban small-stream flood advisory was in effect in Santa Barbara County late Tuesday and was expected to include Ventura County by this morning, Seto said. The rain is expected to taper off by this afternoon.