Oxnard, Calif. – Thunderstorms are triggering dangerous flash flooding in the interior mountains of Santa Barbara and northwestern Ventura counties, where rainfall is quickly overwhelming roads and low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m. Thursday. Doppler radar and rain gauges detected intense storms dumping 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, with rainfall rates possibly reaching 1 inch per hour. Flash flooding is either occurring or expected imminently.
Drivers along Highway 33 and near Lockwood Valley, Rose Valley, Reyes Peak, and Old Man Mountain should avoid travel. Storm runoff is likely to inundate streams, underpasses, and mountain roads, increasing the risk of being stranded or swept away.
Residents and visitors should stay away from creeks and poorly drained areas. Campers and hikers in the region are urged to seek higher ground immediately and avoid any stream crossings.
The warning includes areas prone to rapid flooding and mudslides. Additional rainfall could intensify conditions in the next few hours.
More updates will follow if the warning is extended or upgraded later this afternoon.
