Moody Skies, Strong Winds In Laguna Beach: Spring Storm In Photos

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Following several days of unseasonably warm temperatures, a storm arrived early Monday to deliver a dose of much needed rain to drought-stricken Orange County, including Laguna Beach.

The rain comes on the heels of a Flash Flood Watch, the National Weather Service reported. Residents of burn scar areas in Orange County were strongly advised to remain vigilant and prepared for any possible evacuation.

"Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars," the service reported.

The Pacific storm system was expected to bring widespread rain, high elevation snow and gusty winds through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Thunderstorms, which could trigger heavy downpour and hail, were also possible for the Southland, the NWS said. The storm was expected to bring 0.25 to 0.50 inches per hour.

As of 2:30 p.m., Laguna Coast Wilderness Park was one of four Orange County parks closed due to wet and muddy conditions. Additional park closures affect Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Peters Canyon Regional Park.

Monday's high temperature is expected to be around 61 degrees in central Orange County. Stormy conditions are expected to clear out by late Tuesday, with temperatures again climbing by 5 to 10 degrees, according to the NWS. Forecasters did say there was a slight chance of rain across the Southland late Thursday through Friday.

The storm arrives just a week after the state imposed new water restrictions in response to the worsening drought situation in California.

Unless counties start to see more rainfall this month, the January-March period will be the driest wet season in at least a century, water officials said last week.

In the Southland, about a third of the area's water comes from state supplies, most of which are funneled through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The agency serves 19 million residents.

"We all need to take this drought more seriously and significantly step up our water-saving efforts to help preserve our dropping storage levels and ensure we have the water we need into the summer and fall," said Abel Hagekhalil, the district's general manager, in a statement.

READ MORE: CA Imposes New Water Cuts As Drought

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