Brief storm cell hits Orange County, bringing needed rain showers ahead of dry spell

Orange County residents ran for cover Monday as a Pacific storm system moved across Southern California, bringing up to 2 inches of rain in some cities and causing mild debris flows in hillside areas hit by the Bond fire.

The National Weather Service reported Tuesday portions of Laguna Beach received up to 1.15 inches of rainfall since Sunday night, while the cities of Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa saw closer to one-half inch of precipitation.

The Coto de Caza community reportedly saw the most rain, with 2.02 inches logged by NWS on Tuesday, while Anaheim Hills received the lowest amount, with just .12 inches recorded.

A man walks along E 17th Street in Newport Beach during a downpour on Monday.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

“There were areas that got under some of the stronger storm cells and got pours, while some areas had lighter rain,” said Mark Moede, a meteorologist with the NWS San Diego office.

Although a temporary evacuation order was issued for Silverado, Williams and Modjeska canyons, impacted by the December 2020 Bond fire, the order was downgraded to a warning by 4 p.m. Monday. Moede said most burn areas experienced only mild debris flow.

Locals out and about in Laguna Beach Monday were spotted braving downpours and crowding under umbrellas as they scurried along city streets. But raingear can now be put away, as another rain system is not forecast for the next several weeks.

“Over the next 10 days, we might muster a little rain or drizzle from the marine layer, but any storm like yesterday is not likely to happen again through April 10,” Moede said Tuesday.

Visitors duck under umbrellas, jackets, and awnings at Coast Highway and Laguna Avenue in Laguna Beach Monday morning.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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