Ventura County residents are being asked to stay alert as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood advisory for the area on Friday at 3:46 a.m., remaining in effect until 5:45 a.m. The advisory follows persistent rain that has produced excess runoff, creating minor flooding in low‑lying and poorly drained locations and water covering roadways.
According to the Daily Breeze, the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office warned that “flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.” The advisory notes that while conditions do not rise to the level of a flash‑flood warning, the standing water can still pose a significant inconvenience and, if ignored, could threaten life or property.
The service’s safety guidance emphasizes the classic “turn around, don’t drown” rule, reminding drivers that most flood‑related deaths occur in vehicles. The NWS cautions that as little as 12 inches of rapidly moving water can sweep away most cars, and even six inches can knock a person off their feet. Residents are urged to avoid driving through any water on roadways, seek higher ground if trapped, and call 911 if they become stranded.
Additional precautions listed by the NWS include staying out of basements and any rooms where water has reached electrical outlets, disconnecting utilities and appliances when time permits, and obeying any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. The agency also advises against walking in floodwaters, noting that swift currents can be deceptively powerful.
For Ventura motorists, the advisory means possible traffic delays on routes that cross low‑lying sections of the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Drivers should monitor local road reports, allow extra travel time, and keep headlights on to improve visibility in the wet conditions.
What’s next: The flood advisory is set to expire at 5:45 a.m. on Friday. Residents should continue to monitor local weather updates and be prepared for any flash‑flood warnings that could be issued later in the day if rainfall intensifies. Staying informed through the NWS and local news outlets will help keep the community safe.
Sources: dailybreeze.com
