South Pacific Storm Expected to Pelt Area

Enjoy any early sunshine you see today, because more rain is reportedly on the way.

South Pacific moisture is expected to move into Ventura County on Saturday, bringing with it the likelihood of heavy rain and even the possibility of thunderstorms.

“It’s a pretty powerful storm system,” said John Sherwin, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., a private company that provides forecasts for The Times. “Most areas are in store for at least a quarter-inch to half an inch of rain, with more likely in the higher hills. I wouldn’t be surprised if some areas report at least an inch of rain out of this.”

The storm system comes soon after a generous helping of rain that dumped on the county Wednesday night, sending rainfall totals soaring.

For instance, Lake Casitas in Ojai Valley received 1 1/2 inches of rain in the 24 hours up to 5 p.m. Thursday, pushing the seasonal total to more than 20 inches. Thousand Oaks got hit with more than half an inch Wednesday night and has received almost 12 1/2 inches since Oct. 1.

Experts again warn that saturated ground means mudslides should be a concern for people who live near burn areas or unstable hillsides, such as those at La Conchita.

“There has been a lot of moisture everywhere, so any more rain we get could definitely cause problems,” said Stuart Seto, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office.

Today’s forecast calls for early sunshine giving way to afternoon clouds, with showers possible tonight. Rain is likely Saturday, with a chance of thunderstorms.

Highs today and Saturday will be in the upper 50s to mid-60s, with lows tonight in the 40s.

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County Rainfall

Here are rainfall figures from the Ventura County Flood Control Department for the 24-hour period ending at 5 p.m. Thursday. Oct. 1 is the beginning of the official rain year.

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Rainfall Rainfall Normal rainfall Location last 24 hours since Oct. 1 to date Camarillo 0.71 11.26 6.53 Casitas Dam 1.42 21.17 11.09 Casitas Rec. Center 1.50 20.67 11.05 Fillmore 0.71 16.45 9.09 Matilija Dam 1.57 24.70 12.29 Moorpark 0.51 11.84 7.00 Ojai 1.15 17.25 9.84 Upper Ojai 1.30 20.82 10.52 Oxnard 0.67 11.53 6.78 Piru 0.51 13.31 8.08 Port Hueneme 0.59 9.93 6.70 Santa Paula 0.98 15.29 8.34 Simi Valley 0.47 11.90 6.69 Thousand Oaks 0.59 12.47 7.18 Ventura Govt. Center 0.94 13.26 7.51

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