Storm Wallops Laguna Beach, Rain Continues

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The first in what is expected to be a series of three storms walloped parts of the Southland Thursday, bringing not only soaking rain but also prompting flooding and lighting that sent people scrambling from beaches.

Flood Advisories, Flash Flood Advisories, and voluntary evacuations were underway for much of Orange County, during the first part of this winter storm.

The most significant part of the storm is predicted for late Friday, continuing through Saturday, the city of Laguna Beach said in a recent alert.

"Out of an abundance of caution, Downtown and Canyon residents and business owners are encouraged to put your floodgates in place Friday night while your business is closed as a precautionary measure, to protect your property and inventory," they said.

Sandbags were available for pickup at all fire stations, free but without sand.

"It is not permitted to fill sandbags with sand from area beaches or playgrounds," the city said. Sand was available at Ganahl Lumber or Larry's Building Materials.

Pick up pre-filled sandbags at:

• Act V parking lot- 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
• Aliso Beach East Parking - 31118 Coast Highway.

Remember to sign up for AlertOC and follow Here is your coming forecast:

7-day Forecast for Laguna Beach

Rain today through Monday, with high temperatures bottoming out at 53°F on Monday.

Friday February 1

Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High 57, low 48.
Chance of precipitation: 27%. Wind 5 mph from the SE

Saturday February 2

Breezy until afternoon and heavy rain until evening. High 58, low 49.
Chance of precipitation: 99%. Wind 11 mph from the SSE

Sunday February 3

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High 54, low 49.
Chance of precipitation: 84%. Wind 9 mph from the WSW

Monday February 4

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High 53, low 48.
Chance of precipitation: 60%. Wind 6 mph from the W

Tuesday February 5

Partly cloudy in the morning. High 53, low 45.
Chance of precipitation: 46%. Wind 6 mph from the W

Wednesday February 6

Partly cloudy overnight. High 57, low 44.
Chance of precipitation: 3%. Wind 1 mph from the NE

Thursday February 7

Mostly cloudy until afternoon. High 62, low 47.
Chance of precipitation: 1%. Wind 4 mph from the NNE
Data provided by darksky.net.

Photo: Ashley Ludwig, Patch editor