Sequel storms in

The storm that hit Newport Beach this week with waves measuring up to 15 feet in some areas of Orange County has passed on its way south.

A new storm, expected to deliver rain through the weekend, will also bring with it a small resurgence in swell Saturday, forecasters said.

The waters just beyond the rocky groin at 28th Street on the Balboa Peninsula was still packed with surfers Thursday. Waves had dropped to about half their peak height of the week, and a chop was present in the water.

Storm surges, this time approaching from the southwest, will give wave junkies the potential for some moderate rides Saturday at breaks south of the Newport Pier, including the Wedge and Corona del Mar State Beach. Both spots were virtually untouched by swells that came form the northwest earlier in the week.

Forecasters expected rain to sweep in sometime Thursday night with periods of showers and possible thunderstorms through most of the weekend.

Surfline.com has reported steady wave sets through today as the cold front heads in with southwest winds. The storm should peak Saturday, then die off midway through next week. The surf should just barely pick up Saturday, with waist- to chest-high sets and unspectacular conditions.

For more information on expected swell direction and conditions check out the following websites: www.surfline.com, www.wetsand.com or www.stormsurf.com.

ON THE BEACH

“It was freaking sick out there. Better than what I expected. I probably got the biggest waves of my life. I got held inside for a while and was getting thrashed, but it got better as the tide disappeared.”

Conner Bray, 15,

Newport Beach

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“It definitely held up to my expectations. The sets were good. It was kind of washed out early in the morning, but it did get better later on.”

Jeff Van Mater, 18,

Newport Beach

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“I’m out here every day. Doing this helps me sit down for an eight-hour stretch at my computer.”

Greg Heilig, 42,

Costa Mesa

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“Today it was choppier but fun. There was some wind on it, and it was more inconsistent than Wednesday. It’s getting better though. Surfline said it was going to drop way down, but it still hasn’t.”

Kevin Bobzien, 31,

Newport Beach

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].