Update from Meteorologist Dave Hovde: 7:50pm
A flood advisory is in effect until 10:00 PM PST this evening for a large portion of southwest California, including most of Ventura County, southeastern Santa Barbara County, and far western Los Angeles County. The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 6:13 PM PST due to moderate to heavy rainfall.
The primary concern is flooding caused by the ongoing rain. Authorities warn of widespread ponding of water on roadways and minor flooding in low-lying areas, poor drainage areas, and intersections. Residents in and around the Mountain and Lake burn scars are also advised that minor and shallow mud flows are possible.
Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated moderate to locally heavy rain in the affected area, with minor flooding already reported. Rainfall totals between 0.3 and 0.6 inches have been recorded, and rainfall rates of two to three-tenths of an inch per hour are expected to continue through the evening.
The following locations are among those expected to experience flooding: Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Fillmore, western Malibu, Ojai, Montecito, Agoura Hills, Santa Ynez, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Carpinteria, and La Conchita.
The National Weather Service urges residents to be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to see the dangers of flooding.
An atmospheric river storm system is impacting the Central Coast, bringing moderate to heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Rain will continue overnight, wrapping up in the morning.
Snow levels are very high, 7500-8000ft. Today's storm has yet to produce any flood-related advisories. In general, this is a beneficial rain, outside of the wind concerns.
Wind Impacts
The entire Central Coast is currently under either a High Wind Warning or Wind Advisory:
High Wind Warning: A High Wind Warning is in effect for all mountain areas in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties until 9 PM PST this evening. This includes the Santa Lucia Mountains, San Luis Obispo County Mountains, and Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains. Expect extremely strong south winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. These winds are capable of downing trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages and making travel extremely hazardous.
Wind Advisory: A Wind Advisory is in effect for all other areas of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties until 4 AM PST Friday. This includes the coastal regions, inland valleys, and the Cuyama Valley. Expect south winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. These winds can still cause damage and lead to power outages.
Heavy Rainfall
In addition to the strong winds, this storm is bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. Coastal and valley areas can expect 0.50 to 1.00 inch of rain before all is said and done with this system, while the foothills and mountains could see 1.00 to 2.00 inches. Localized amounts of up to 3 inches are possible. This heavy rain may lead to localized flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. But certainly some areas of ponding water are a minor local concern. Use caution during travel.
Weekend Outlook
Dry weather is expected for the weekend and into early next week, with temperatures remaining below normal. Locally breezy to windy offshore winds are in the forecast:
However, another storm system is possible around the middle of next week, which could bring more rain to the region.
