Rainstorms to fade today

Rainstorms that began Monday afternoon were expected to last through this morning. County health officials warned swimmers to stay out of the water at least through Thursday because of high bacteria levels, particularly near the Santa Ana River mouth.

The storms could drop up to 3 inches of rain on the Newport-Mesa area but they should peter out by this afternoon, with clouds and maybe a rogue shower expected Wednesday, National Weather Service forecaster Stan Wasowski said Monday. Winds accompanying the storm were expected to reach between 15 and 25 mph.

Another bout of rain is predicted in the area beginning Thursday night, and it could last into Saturday, though it's expected to bring less rain than today's storm, Wasowski said. The storms are normal for this time of year ? most of Southern California's rain falls between January and March, he said.

The Orange County Health Care Agency advises people not to go into the water for three days after a storm, because increased runoff sends more bacteria into coastal waters, agency spokesman Larry Honeybourne said.

The agency tests waters along the county's coast for bacteria that indicate disease-causing microorganisms may be present. Coastal bacteria levels generally rise after storms because the runoff can flush fertilizers, litter and animal waste from inland down to the beach.

"It's potentially possible that we would recommend that people not go in the water for as long as Sunday or Monday, but that depends on whether or not the next storm comes through," Honeybourne said.

For information on Orange County water quality, call (714) 433-6400 or visit www.ocbeachinfo.com.dpt-28-rain2-dl-CPhotoInfoFK1OENFA20060228ivdjtnknDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)A boy waits with his mom at a bus stop as the rain begins to fall steadily on Harbor Boulevard, forming puddles and making the commute home a slippery one. dpt.28-weather-kt-CPhotoInfoTR1OELPE20060228ivdhbyknKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Shon Nall of Newport Beach fishes with his friend as a rainstorm passes by the Santa Ana Rivermouth Monday afternoon. "No work, no surf, no school, it's all good," said Nall's friend, R.J. Starkey, who was fishing nearby.