3.5 Million People Under Flash Flood Warning Across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for large portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, placing more than 3.5 million people under emergency alert as intense rainfall sweeps through Southern California. Officials are warning residents to avoid low-lying roads and prepare for sudden flooding and potential mudslides through the day.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the warning early Friday morning as bands of heavy rain — some producing up to one inch of rain per hour — began hitting the Los Angeles Basin and surrounding foothill regions.

“This is a dangerous situation,” meteorologists warned. “Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in areas of heavy rainfall, especially in regions with poor drainage and near recent burn scars.”

Regions Under the Flash Flood Warning

The warning affects a broad stretch of Southern California, including:

• Los Angeles County: Burbank, Compton, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, and nearby mountain foothills.
• Ventura County: Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding areas.
• Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara city and Goleta areas.

Flood-prone regions and those near creeks, canyons, and coastal drainages are at the highest risk. The warning is expected to remain in effect through Friday evening, as another round of rainfall moves inland from the Pacific.

Rainfall Totals and Flooding Threats

So far, parts of Ventura County have already recorded more than 2 inches of rain, while the Los Angeles metro area has seen widespread totals between 1.5 and 3 inches.
Forecasters say additional rainfall could push totals even higher, with localized amounts exceeding 4 inches in elevated terrain.

That amount of rain in such a short window is overwhelming drainage systems, causing flooding across multiple highways and neighborhoods.

Key concerns include:

• Rapid street flooding in Los Angeles and Oxnard neighborhoods.
• Flash flooding in canyon areas, particularly near recent wildfire burn scars, where mudslides and debris flows are possible.
• Rising creek levels across Santa Paula and Ventura River watersheds.

Officials Warn Residents to Stay Indoors and Off Roads

Emergency management agencies are urging residents to stay off roads and avoid flood-prone intersections. Officials have stressed that “turn around, don’t drown” remains the most important safety message.

“Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and a foot of water can sweep away most vehicles,” an NWS statement said.

In Los Angeles, public works crews have been dispatched to clear storm drains, while first responders have already carried out several swift-water rescues in flooded underpasses near Compton and Long Beach.

Transportation and Infrastructure Impacts

• Highway 101 and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) are experiencing partial lane closures in low-lying areas near Ventura and Malibu.
• LAX has reported minor delays due to the storms, though operations remain open.
• Metrolink services may experience slowdowns as crews inspect flooded tracks in Los Angeles County.

Burn Scar Zones at Highest Risk

Communities near recent wildfire areas — including Santa Clarita, Agoura Hills, and Santa Paula — face an elevated threat of debris flows and mudslides.
Authorities have urged residents in these zones to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate quickly if conditions worsen.

“The ground in burn areas cannot absorb heavy rainfall,” explained a Ventura County emergency coordinator. “Once the runoff starts, it can carry rocks, mud, and debris down slopes within minutes.”

When Conditions May Improve

Meteorologists expect rain intensity to decrease late Friday night into Saturday morning, with lingering showers continuing across coastal and mountain regions.
However, forecasters are monitoring another potential storm system that could arrive early next week, bringing additional rainfall and renewed flood risks.

By Saturday afternoon, skies should begin to clear from west to east, allowing emergency crews to assess damage and reopen closed routes.

Safety Tips for Residents

Officials recommend the following precautions while the Flash Flood Warning remains in effect:

• Avoid driving through flooded roads — even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying or flood-prone area.
• Keep emergency kits and flashlights ready in case of power outages.
• Monitor local alerts and NWS updates via radio, mobile apps, or television.

Residents are also advised to secure outdoor items such as trash bins, furniture, and potted plants that could be swept away by fast-moving water.

Southern California residents should remain weather-aware and follow evacuation instructions if issued. Stay updated with live coverage and storm alerts through NapervilleLocal.com.