San Juan Capistrano Braces For Rain, Cold Weather Storm

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —After a week of warm winter days, San Juan Capistrano and all of Orange County braced for cold, rainy conditions through Wednesday. Across the Southland, gusty winds, a chance of snow, thunderstorms and even hail remain possible before things warm up this weekend, the National Weather Service said.

"A very cold storm system will move through the area through Wednesday, bringing a threat of rain and low-elevation snow showers and gusty winds along with a slight chance of thunderstorms with small hail tonight," according to the National Weather Service.

In Orange County, a wind advisory was in place until 6 p.m. for Orange County coastal and inland areas, while a winter weather advisory will be in effect until noon Wednesday in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.

Forecasters said cold conditions will continue through Wednesday, with drier weather expected on Thursday, along with a slight warming trend that will last into the weekend.

Snowy Ortega Highway Commute Expected:

Commuters of the Ortega Highway will see snow at the high point, according to the National Weather Service, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation, and a new snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible overnight.

Watch for icy patches of roadway, and road closures during this time.

Wednesday, drivers should expect a chance of snow showers before 10 am, then a chance of rain and snow showers.

"A cold storm from the north will bring strong winds, chilly temperatures and widespread rain and mountain snow with the brunt occurring Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning," the NWS said in its forecast discussion Tuesday morning. "Hazardous travel is expected, especially through the mountains."

Related: Snow Forecast On Ortega Highway: Commuters Beware

Here's the full detailed forecast for San Juan Capistrano for the coming days, via the NWS:

Tonight
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 40. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday
A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 61. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 63.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

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