Irvine residents should prepare for wet weather this weekend, as a storm system is expected to bring rain across the Southland, potentially impacting Halloween festivities. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that Saturday will remain overcast, with showers potentially developing by Saturday afternoon.
Widespread rainfall is possible across the coastal basin by Saturday evening, coinciding with traditional trick-or-treating hours. Residents planning outdoor Halloween activities may need to incorporate raincoats and umbrellas into their costumes.
The NWS anticipates rain will become light and steady through Saturday night. Early Sunday morning could see embedded pockets of moderate to locally heavy rain. The precipitation is then expected to taper to scattered showers by Sunday morning, becoming increasingly isolated throughout Sunday afternoon.
Most rainfall is projected to conclude by Sunday night. Forecasters expect Orange County to receive between 0.25 and 1 inch of rain in most areas. Favored mountain slopes could see up to 2 inches. There is also a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms on Sunday morning.
Beyond the rainfall, the storm system's effects will also be felt along the coast. Lingering high tides and elevated surf remain a concern for Orange County's coastal communities. While high tides are expected to decrease into the weekend, they are projected to stay just above 6 feet. This could still lead to minor tidal overflow during high tide periods, particularly if breaking waves approach 5 to 6 feet.
This concern follows significant coastal flooding earlier in the week in parts of Orange County. High tides sent seawater into streets, homes, and businesses in areas including Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. In Sunset Beach, for instance, water covered approximately half of Pacific Coast Highway between Warner Avenue and Anderson Street on Wednesday, reaching shin- or knee-deep levels in some spots. Crews were required to close the road and pump water from the affected area. Newport Beach's Balboa area also experienced widespread flooding due to the high tides.
Looking ahead, dry and warmer weather is expected to return to the region on Monday and Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies. However, NWS forecasters note a chance of showers could return by Wednesday of next week.
