California Coastal Communities Inundated by Heavy Rains, Flash Flooding from Stalled Pacific Storm

A powerful Pacific storm swept through coastal California on Thursday, unleashing heavy rains and triggering flooding in cities like Santa Barbara and Oxnard. The storm targeted Ventura and Santa Barbara counties northwest of Los Angeles County, swamping areas in several coastal communities.

Between midnight and 1 AM, downtown Oxnard was deluged with over 3 inches of rain, exceeding the monthly average for December by just one hour, according to the National Weather Service.

The intense downpour prompted flash flooding in Ventura County around 1:30 AM. By midday, streets began filling with water in parts of Santa Barbara as the storm delivered yet another heavy dose of rainfall.

The city of Port Hueneme ordered evacuations for residences on four streets, affecting around 60 homes in a senior living community.

Three people were hospitalized out of precaution, and multiple stranded motorists were rescued from flooded roadways. The city of Oxnard urged residents to stay off the streets for several hours until waters receded after many roads and intersections were heavily flooded.