Storm Soaks Area but New Year Should Dawn Under Clear Skies

In the last storm of 2001, gray skies dumped up to half an inch of rain or more across Ventura County, but the wet weather should dry up just in time to ring in the new year, forecasters said.

Low pressure off the coast is causing most of the rainfall, but the storm should move north by late today. Monday’s outlook calls for an early chance of showers, clearing by evening.

“The next several days will certainly be wetter than average,” said Jeremy Nelson, meteorologist for Weather Central. “So if you’re going to do anything through early next week, keep an umbrella handy. But you’ll be fine after that.”

Among the areas hardest hit by rain Saturday were Ventura, with half an inch, Santa Paula at 0.55 of an inch and the Sycamore Canyon area, which recorded 0.47 of an inch. Temperatures were also low most of Saturday, dipping into the mid-40s and peaking in the low 60s.

Despite steady rain, which fell through Saturday afternoon and into the evening, California Highway Patrol officials said they did not see the usual outbreak of fender-benders.

“We had a few early in the day,” said dispatcher Fred McMahon. “But so far we’ve really been lucky.”

The heavy rainfall and chilly air didn’t keep post-holiday bargain hunters away from stores. Pacific View Mall was packed Saturday afternoon, with cars crawling through the crowded parking lot as drivers searched for empty spaces. Activity was also brisk in downtown Ventura, where shoppers along Main Street ducked in and out of stores to avoid the rain.

“What’s a little rain in the face of a good sale?” said Ventura shopper Regina Gomez, her arms loaded with shopping bags and a cup of hot coffee.

“I told her I’d rather stay curled up on the couch,” said husband Rick Gomez, his hands also burdened with shopping bags. “But she wouldn’t have it. She was on a mission today. Rain or shine or snow, it would be shop, shop, shop.”

Forecasters say the county will dry out as the weekend closes, with rain turning into patchy clouds by late today. Scattered showers could hit the area early Monday, but the threat of rain is expected to end by nightfall, forecasters said.

Temperatures, however, will continue to be chilly. The high Monday is expected to hover in the low to mid-60s. New Year’s Day will bring partly cloudy skies with lows in the mid-40s and highs in the mid-60s.

Though the weekend storm is being labeled a mild one, the Ventura County Fire Protection District is encouraging residents to prepare for heavier storms later this winter.

The district’s recommendations include removing debris from rain gutters, clearing drains surrounding homes and yards, and, if flooding has been a problem in the past, keeping sandbags on hand.

Officials also warn against crossing roads or other areas with flowing water and to avoid swimming in runoff channels.