Forecasters say sizable storm might hit San Diego County on Halloween night

The National Weather Service says it’s possible that a potent North Pacific storm will move into San Diego County on Halloween night and drop heavy rain on Sunday while also whipping up strong winds.

It looks like the storm will dive really far south and tap into some tropical moisture,” said weather service forecaster Paul Steward. “We might get an inch of rain. But we have to see what the next models say about this.”

Such a storm could have the effect of further reducing the threat of wildfires. San Diego has received 1.54 inches of rain since Oct. 1, which is 1.19 inches above average.

But forecasters also say the storm could generate surf large enough to cause coastal erosion and flooding. That’s already a major issue. Several beaches, especially Tamarack State Beach, have suffered major erosion.

Forecasters say the morning high tide could reach a record 8 feet in height Monday through Thursday. That led Metrolink to suspend commercial rail service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside Monday through Friday.