The Orange County and Santa Ana Mountains area was placed under a report for gusty showers by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. The alert is in effect until 12:15 p.m.

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 11:29 a.m., Doppler radar tracked gusty showers near Laguna Beach, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the NWS San Diego CA said. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Riverside, Irvine, southern Corona, Mission Viejo, Tustin, San Clemente, western Lake Elsinore, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Newport Beach, northern Camp Pendleton, Murrieta, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Woods, Trabuco Canyon, Silverado and El Toro.

According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

Santa Ana Mountains/Foothills
Orange County Coast
Orange County
San Diego County Coastal Areas
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys
San Diego County Inland Valleys


Heavy rain safety: What you need to know

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches as swiftly moving water that occurs during heavy rain can sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights.
Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so with caution.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Originally Published: October 14, 2025 at 11:36 AM PDT