Pacific Storm Brings Heavy Rains, Wind

A strong Pacific storm system moved into Ventura County Sunday, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds.

Authorities estimated that nearly one inch of rain had fallen along the coast Sunday evening--sending rocks crashing onto Pacific Coast Highway near Mugu Rock. Although several cars were damaged by the falling stones, no injuries were reported, authorities said.

At least another inch of rain could pelt the coast before the storm moves out of the area, probably on Tuesday, meteorologists said.

The storm, spawned by an eastern Pacific weather system and a strong jet stream, was expected to dump four to five inches of rain in the mountains of Ventura County.

“(The weather) will be unsettled through Tuesday, but by then, the heavier rains will be over,” said meteorologist Steve Burback of WeatherData Inc., which produces forecasts for The Times.

Despite the chance of more downpours, no flooding was expected, officials for the Ventura County Flood Control District said.

“As far as we can see, there should not be any problems,” said Vicki Musgrove, an engineer for the flood control district. “The ground is really not saturated right now.”

The Ventura Beach R.V. Resort, which flooded during the heavy rains last February, was open Sunday night. A desk clerk there said park managers did not anticipate flooding from the nearby Ventura River.

However, they were still keeping a watchful eye on the river and staying in touch with county flood control officials, the clerk said.

Burback predicted that Ventura County will dry out Wednesday, when the weather will be mostly sunny with warmer temperatures.

Today’s high temperatures in the county will be in the 50s and lower 60s, with lows tonight in the 40s to middle 50s, he said.