What is a Severe Storm?
Severe storms bring strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and flooding, creating hazardous conditions that can impact daily life. While Oxnard doesn’t face hurricanes or blizzards, our coastal location makes us vulnerable to flash floods, power outages, and road closures during intense weather events. Understanding the risks and preparing ahead of time can help keep you and your family safe.
Oxnard’s Storm & Flood Risk
According to the Ventura County Hazard Mitigation Plan, Oxnard is at medium risk for severe storms and flooding. When strong Pacific storms hit, our low-lying neighborhoods and streets can quickly flood, making travel hazardous and damaging homes and businesses.
Flooding can happen fast, especially in areas near rivers, storm drains, and coastal zones. If the rain keeps coming, roads can turn into rivers, and homes can suffer water damage. The good news? You can prepare ahead of time!
Flood Alerts & What They Mean
Knowing the difference between a Watch and a Warning can be a game-changer:
- Flood WATCH – Flooding may occur. Have an evacuation plan ready.
- Flood WARNING – Flooding is happening now or is imminent. Move to higher ground!
How to Prepare Before, During & After a Storm
- Know your flood risk – Use Oxnard’s Emergency Resource Map to see if you’re in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or near an area subjected to repeated localized flooding.
- Building improvements – Contact the City’s Floodplain Administrator ([email protected]) to inquire more details about flood risk and building improvements for your property.
- Be insured – Insure your property with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) available to all properties. More information at https://www.floodsmart.gov/.
- Prepare your home – Clear gutters, trim trees, and secure outdoor furniture.
- Stock up on supplies – Have flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and medications ready.
- Charge electronics – Keep cell phones and mobile devices fully charged.
- Prepare for power outages – Have backup chargers, extra batteries, and flashlights.
- Pick up Sandbags from the City of Oxnard – See locations here. Seniors or those with access and functional needs can sign up for sandbag delivery here.
- Sign up for VC Alert – Get real-time weather and emergency notifications. Register at www.vcalert.org or call (805) 648-9283.
- Stay indoors – Keep away from windows and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Turn off electronics – Unplug devices to protect them from power surges.
- Avoid flooded roads – Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot can sweep a car away!
- If told to evacuate, GO! – Follow official routes to higher ground.
- Report hazards – Call 911 for life-threatening situations or people trapped by flooding.
- To report downed trees: Call the Oxnard Police Non-Emergency line at (805) 385-7740.
- To report downed power lines: Leave the area immediately, call 911, then contact Southern California Edison at 1-800-611-1911.
- Wait for the all-clear – Don’t return home until authorities say it’s safe.
- Avoid standing water – It may be contaminated or hide hazards like downed power lines.
- Check your property for damage – Take photos for insurance claims. Review this Mold Guidance resource in English and Spanish.
- Help your neighbors – Especially seniors or those with disabilities.
Ventura County Emergency Alerts
Ventura County’s free emergency notification system delivers time-sensitive alerts in English and Spanish for threats to health and safety. You can receive alerts via phone, text, email, fax, TTY/TDD device, or numeric page. Register by:
Internet: www.vcalert.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 648-9283
Additional Resources
Want to stay ahead of the storm? Check out these helpful sites:
National Weather Service (NWS)
Web Link
Ventura County Emergency Preparedness
Web Link
FEMA Flood Safety
Web Link
Severe storms and flooding don’t have to catch you off guard. Stay informed, get prepared, and weather the storm safely!