More Rain Expected in Orange County; Gale Warning in Effect

A pair of cold winter storms is expected in Orange County this week.

"Winter storms are poised to impact Southern California this week with periods of rain and mountain snow, gusty winds and cold weather," according to a National Weather Service advisory.

The first storm is expected to arrive Monday morning, bringing light rain at first, followed by more widespread rain and mountain snow in the afternoon and evening.

Up to a quarter-inch of rain is in store for west of the mountains, and snow will fall above 5,000 feet, the NWS advised.

High wind warnings and wind advisories are in effect for the mountains and deserts Monday. A gale warning will be in effect today across the Southland's costal waters. NWS forecasters said wind gusts of about 40 knots are possible,
including in the inner waters.

Also, a high surf advisory was scheduled from 4 o'clock Monday afternoon to 10 a.m. Tuesday. The NWS advised that there would be 4- to 6-foot waves, with sets of 9 feet.

"High surf may generate strong rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions," according to the Weather Service. "Inexperienced swimmers and surfers should stay out of the water."

The first storm is expected to move off to the east on Tuesday. It will be followed by a second storm on Wednesday afternoon, the NWS said. The agency estimated that the second storm will bring another surge of cold air and gusty winds into the region from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

-City News Service