Update Jan. 15th at 5pm: Download this press release as a PDF
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2019
Contact: Commander Rick Murray, 805-339-4343
Kelly Flanders, 805-677-3993
City of Ventura Voluntary Evacuation Update
The Voluntary Evacuation Order issued for the City of Ventura will be lifted on January 15, 2019 at midnight. The Voluntary Evacuation Order will be reinstated on January 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm due to the anticipated storm system reaching a possible peak of 3 quarters of an inch per hour.
The Voluntary Evacuation Order is based on the current weather forecast; changing conditions may occur and the public should stay alert and take precautions.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for heavy rain and consider altering travel and commuting plans.
The City of Ventura has established evacuation maps to assist residents with the best route to take during an emergency evacuation. The maps can be viewed on the City’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov.
Voluntary evacuation orders are issued when residents should begin preparing for a potential mandatory evacuation order to be issued.
Advance measures should be taken to prepare and prevent harm to individuals with mobility issues; motorists may experience possible road closures.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for heavy rain and consider altering your travel and
commuting plans.
Free sand and sandbags are available for city of Ventura residents (while supplies last) at the following location: City of Ventura Sanjon Maintenance Yard, 336 Sanjon Road (public parking lot). Residents are asked to bring their own shovel.
Arroyo Verde Park, Marina Park, Grant Park, and the Ventura Pier will be closed for the duration of the storm. Any additional City of Ventura facility closures will be posted on the City’s website.
Public Works crews have been, and continue to be, out in the community inspecting and cleaning catch basins to ensure debris basins and flood channels are clear. Properties near a burn area remain at increased risk for flooding, erosion and debris flow. The City encourages you to talk to your neighbors who may not be aware of potential hazards.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through official sources:
• Register for VC ALERT (www.vcalert.org) to receive emergency notifications
• Visit www.vcemergency.com to stay informed during an emergency
• In the event of a major incident or disaster, call the City of Ventura Hotline at 805-477-3711
• Learn about emergency preparedness and flood information including weather service links and other helpful tips at www.ReadyVenturaCounty.org
This release can be found on the City of Ventura’s website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov. ###
Jan. 15th at 1pm: There are two storms expected to hit Ventura County in the next 48 hours. Each of these storms has the possibility to bring moderate to heavy rainfall that can come close or exceed debris flow thresholds for recent burn areas. Ventura County has issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders. A Red Cross shelter has opened at Ventura College in the small gym. At this time, the colleges remain open and classes are ongoing.
For more details, please go to https://www.vcemergency.com/ . Santa Barbara County has also issued evacuation orders. Information for Santa Barbara County can be found at https://readysbc.org/.