After nonstop rain stranded drivers on the 5 Freeway and a mudslide forced residents in at least 10 mobile homes to evacuate, a fourth system was expected Thursday, but it was anticipated to provide less rain.
Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were issued Wednesday for parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties when the third storm system of this week barreled into Southern California, bringing downpours that caused landslides and flooding.
The thunderstorm warning was issued at about 10:30 a.m. for northeastern Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County. The system produced small hail and downpours in the Solimar burn area in Ventura County caused mud and debris flows.
The Solimar fire burned more than 1,300 acres six miles northwest of Ventura near the 101 Freeway late last month. The loosened dirt and rocks covered part of the 101 Freeway -- about three inches of mud flowed onto northbound lanes.
A slide in Camarillo also brought mud down a hillside near houses. There were no immediate reports of significant damage.
Rain moved into the Los Angeles area later Wednesday morning, but the heaviest rainfall was expected between midday and the early afternoon. Wednesday's storm, while the second this week regarded as significant, was actually the third system to visit the region since Monday, when the Southland experienced a weak storm that cleared out the same day.
A fourth storm system is expected later in the week as the first significant El Nino-driven storms of the season move into the state, which has been under drought conditions for more than four consecutive years.
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El Niño is a warming in the Pacific Ocean that can influence weather worldwide. This year's event is considered unusually strong and expect to bring wet weather throughout the winter.
Heavy rain in North Ventura County. Stay off the roads if you can. pic.twitter.com/8CFZ5L2rCP — Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) January 6, 2016
City News Service and Crystal Egger contributed to this report.
