A new storm is moving into Southern California this Wednesday, bringing moderate rain to Anaheim and surrounding areas. Residents should prepare for significant chances of precipitation, especially from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, as the National Weather Service predicts widespread minor impacts from the weather system.
The weather service indicates a 53% chance of rain for Anaheim on Wednesday morning and afternoon. This likelihood increases dramatically Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, reaching 95% for Anaheim. Neighboring Irvine and San Clemente also share a 95% chance of precipitation during this later period, with Ontario at 92%, and Riverside and Lake Elsinore at 91%. San Bernardino faces an 88% chance of precipitation at the same time. The moderate rain is generally forecast from Wednesday late morning to Thursday afternoon.
While most areas are expected to experience only minor impacts from this storm, the weather service’s Los Angeles-Oxnard office is estimating a 30% to 40% chance of thunderstorms regionally. Widespread minor flooding and debris flow concerns have been noted in L.A. and Ventura counties. A weather service spokesperson identified the Santa Monica Mountains as the area at highest risk for flooding.
Of particular concern for Anaheim residents planning coastal activities, the weather service’s San Diego office—which monitors Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties—issued a beach hazard warning on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. This notice is in effect until 11 p.m., cautioning about dangerous rip currents and breaking waves.
Surf from 3 to 6 feet is expected along the coast, with the highest surf anticipated on south- and southwest-facing beaches. The NWS San Diego specifically warns that rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Additionally, waves have the potential to wash people off beaches and rocks or capsize small boats near shore.
In light of these conditions, the weather service advises swimmers to “remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.” Beyond Orange County, beaches in the L.A. County and Oxnard region are also expecting surf of 3 to 6 feet through Thursday night on south- and southwest-facing beaches. Tides across these coastal areas are expected to range from 5.5 to 6.2 feet.