Rainy weather returns to O.C.

After a day of reprieve, the winter storms covering Southern California lashed Newport-Mesa once again throughout Wednesday.

While few major problems were reported on land, the National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory on the ocean, with winds expected to gust up to 45 miles per hour. Because of those conditions, the opening night of the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade was canceled.

According to the National Weather Service, Costa Mesa saw 0.51 inches of rainfall from 5 p.m. Tuesday to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Showers and even possible thunderstorm and hail were forecast through Wednesday night, with mostly sunny weather expected today.

Back on shore, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach police watch commanders said they saw few major incidents related to Wednesday’s rain.

The rainfall here isn’t causing much of a problem at John Wayne Airport, spokeswoman Jenny Wedge said. But storms elsewhere in the nation are delaying flights on the other end, she added.

“I know for example Las Vegas is having snow, and they’ve canceled any flights that are coming here,” Wedge said. “There are some delays from the Midwest and the East as well.”

Also, in the wake of the cold weather sweeping the Southland, Orange County public health officials issued a warning to those who sought to heat their homes: Be careful.  

Never use a charcoal grill or similar fuel-burning device, kitchen range or oven as a makeshift heater, because you run the risk of being poisoned by carbon monoxide, authorities said.

“Almost every winter, there are cases in California of people who are overcome by carbon monoxide gas after bringing a charcoal grill indoors to provide heat,” said Eric Hander, county health officer, in a statement.