Ventura County is urging Camarillo and Moorpark residents to prepare for what could be the strongest El Niño winter on record.
County agencies briefed the Board of Supervisors on storm readiness Tuesday, Oct. 6. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that El Niño conditions will keep intensifying through the end of 2026, raising the likelihood of a wetter, stormier winter across the region, according to a county press release.
Patrick Maynard, director of emergency services for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, urged residents to act before storms hit.
"We encourage everyone to use this time to prepare their homes, know their evacuation routes, and sign up for VC Alert," Maynard said. "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."
The county has formed an El Niño Task Force to coordinate resources across agencies, Edhat reported. Staff from the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, the Ventura County Fire Department and the Public Works Agency all presented at the Oct. 6 briefing.
Residents living in or below recent wildfire burn areas face the highest risk. Intense rainfall can trigger dangerous debris flows with little warning, and the county may issue evacuation warnings or orders based on forecast rainfall rates before heavy rain begins.
The Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways. Crews are also inspecting flood-control infrastructure, clearing storm drains and channels, and monitoring roads vulnerable to flooding.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide emergency on Sept. 21 to support early preparation for potential El Niño impacts, including heavy rain, flooding, high winds, power outages and debris flows, according to the City of Camarillo. Camarillo residents can report clogged public storm drains through CamarilloCONNECT at cityofcamarillo.org.
Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff Gorell said following the briefing that the county is asking residents to know their risks, protect their property and have an emergency plan in place.
The risk extends beyond hillsides. Strong El Niño conditions can increase flooding and high-surf danger in coastal areas, especially when storms coincide with peak high tides. The county's Harbor Department is monitoring vulnerable beaches and preparing for winter dredging operations beginning in November.
Sandbags are available at 24 Ventura County Fire Department stations. Flood maps, emergency kit guides and VC Alert registration are available at ready.venturacounty.gov.
