COUNTYWIDE : Caution Urged as New Storm Front May Bring Flood Risk

Another tropical storm is expected to arrive in Ventura County today, bringing the potential for heavy flooding and mud- and rockslides in areas where the ground is already soaked, officials said.

“The ground is almost totally saturated from our previous week of rainfall, and depending on the amount we get this weekend, we could have some serious problems,” said John Weikel, a hydrologist with the Ventura County Flood Control Department.

The front out of the Pacific could drop up to three inches of rain over coastal areas and six inches in the mountains and foothills by Monday morning, said Terry Schaeffer, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Santa Paula.

It is expected to arrive in Ventura County this afternoon. The greatest potential for damage will occur if the rain falls with great intensity in a short period of time, Weikel said. If the rainfall is spread out over two days, it will carry less risk. The break between storms Friday also helped to dry things out, he said.

“People shouldn’t panic, but they should keep their eyes and ears open,” Weikel said. “If it looks like a flash flood could occur, get out of the way.”

Emergency officials on Friday advised county residents to prepare for possible flooding by clearing storm drains and sandbagging flood-prone areas. The Sheriff’s Department’s office of emergency services also warned motorists to stay off the roads unless necessary and advised residents to keep portable radios, flashlights and canned food on hand for an emergency.

People living near hillsides should be on the lookout for mudslides, and residents near creeks, flood-control channels and rivers should also be on alert, officials said. No flood advisories were in effect Friday, but Weikel said low-lying areas near the Ventura River and Calleguas Creek near Point Mugu will be vulnerable if heavy rains fall.

The Ventura Beach RV Resort, located near the mouth of the Ventura River, was back in business Friday after evacuating campers Thursday. Park manager Joe Crognale said the campground will be closed again this weekend if the forecasts hold up.

“If the weather comes in bad, we’ll just shut it down again,” he said.

A warming shelter operated by the American Red Cross will be open tonight for those with no other housing. The shelter will be at the Oxnard First Baptist Church, 936 West 5th St. It opens at 7 p.m. The Red Cross has arranged for morning and evening transportation to and from the shelter for homeless people in the Ventura area, officials said.

RELATED STORIES, PHOTOS: B16