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VENTURA — The County of Ventura is taking proactive steps to coordinate efforts across agencies to strengthen readiness, identify potential resource and informational needs, and ensure infrastructure resiliency ahead of what could potentially be a very active winter season. The National Weather Service is forecasting that significant El Niño conditions will continue to intensify through the end of 2026, with the possibility of these conditions creating the strongest event on record. The presence of strong El Niño conditions raises the likelihood of Ventura County experiencing a stormier, wetter than usual winter.
Preparation for the winter storm season has already begun with County agencies and departments coordinating efforts to reduce potential impacts, strengthen emergency readiness, and help residents prepare before severe weather arrives. First responder agencies from the County of Ventura will provide an update to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, October 6 about activities already underway to prepare.
Proactive steps are underway by the County’s Public Works Agency to prepare critical infrastructure for the potential heavy rainfall, including inspecting and maintaining critical infrastructure, cleaning debris basins, storm drains and channels, and monitoring roads and other areas that may be vulnerable to flooding or storm damage. Heavy rainfall can increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows, particularly in areas previously affected by wildfires and other locations vulnerable to storm-related hazards. Although flooding and high surf in coastal areas can occur during winter storms, strong El Niño conditions can increase that risk and affect locations that do not typically experience these conditions – particularly if storms coincide with peak high tide events.
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating countywide emergency preparedness efforts and working to ensure residents, particularly those in higher-risk areas, understand potential hazards and know how to receive timely emergency information. The Ventura County Fire Department is also preparing personnel and resources for potential storm response while providing residents with information on flood preparedness and steps they can take to protect themselves, their families, and their property.
The County and its agencies are working to coordinate communications and messaging to ensure residents obtain the information and resources they need to prepare their homes and families effectively. Residents living in or below recent burn areas should be especially prepared. Intense rainfall can produce dangerous debris flows with little warning, and evacuation warnings or orders may be issued based on forecast rainfall rates before significant rainfall begins.
“While we cannot predict exactly what this winter will bring, we know that early preparation can make a significant difference when severe weather occurs,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “Our focus is on preparing early, coordinating closely with our cities and partner agencies, and making sure residents understand the hazards that may affect their communities. We encourage everyone to use this time to prepare their homes, know their evacuation routes, and sign up for VC Alert. When storms arrive, conditions can change quickly, and being prepared ahead of time is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.”
Ahead of the winter season, the County of Ventura strongly encourages all residents to take steps now to prepare for possible impacts. Information on resources such as flood maps, sandbag locations, how to build an emergency kit, and how to sign-up to receive emergency evacuation notifications from VC Alert are available at the County’s preparedness website: ready.venturacounty.gov