We’ve had rain, we’ve had snow, but what’s happened so far Thursday is just a preview of the major storm arriving tomorrow. There’s already been snow at low levels.
Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley was closed by snowfall at around noon Thursday by snowfall, but it reopened a few hours later.
Meteorologists say we should expect the heaviest rainfall, and snowfall Friday afternoon and evening, lasting into early Saturday. We could see 2-5” inches of rain on the coast and in the foothills, with 5-10” in the mountains.
But, it’s snow that’s also causing big concerns. The snow level has dropped down to 1500 feet. Upper levels could get historic snowfall amounts, with up to seven feet possible.
Ventura County Public Works Director Jeff Pratt says they’re as ready as possible. He says they’ve spent the last few weeks clearing mud and debris from the January 9 storm.
Pratt says Ventura County has crews on standby to close roads which might become dangerous due to flooding, mudslides, or snow. The county also has contractors standing by to help with cleanup efforts.
