9-Foot Waves, 40 MPH Winds And Flooding Possible In Laguna Beach Wednesday

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Bundle up, Laguna Beach.

The National Weather Service issued a flood, high surf and wind advisory in anticipation of a powerful winter storm predicted to hit the region starting Tuesday night.

According to weather experts, the storm is expected to last through Wednesday — though scattered locally heavy showers could continue into Thursday.

The heaviest rain is expected to hit the region Wednesday. NWS forecasters predicted peak rainfall rates of .50 to 1 inch per hour on that day.

"There is a potential for locally heavier hourly rainfall rates to develop with convection embedded in the main rain band or in thunderstorms after the main band passes," a NWS weather statement read. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

Flooding may also happen in urban areas with poor drainage, the NWS said.

In the San Bernardino county mountains, snow levels are expected to remain above 8,000 feet during periods of heaviest precipitation. Mountain residents should watch for mud slides, debris flow and areas of flash flooding.

With the rain, comes the wind. National Weather Service forecasters issued a Wind Advisory from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday due to gusty winds blowing from 15 to 25 miles per hour.

Winds may reach up to 40 miles per hour, the NWS said.

In Orange County, the strongest winds will blow from the morning to early afternoon.

Residents were urged to secure loose outdoor objects and use extra caution while driving, especially for high profile vehicles like semi-trucks.

Coastal Orange County residents were also advised of a High Surf Advisory in effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Weather officials cautioned residents about large breaking waves of five to eight feet, with local sets up to nine feet — with the highest surf being predicted in south-facing beaches.

Residents should be wary of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

Inexperienced swimmers were urged to steer clear of the waves during the High Surf Advisory.