Thunderstorms and Flash Floods Hit Southern California

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Thunderstorms illuminate the Southern California skyline with heavy rain and hail.

News Summary

Southern California experienced severe thunderstorms, particularly affecting Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings as heavy rain and hail were reported. Rainfall amounts varied, with some areas receiving up to 2 inches. Beachgoers faced hazards due to strong surf and lightning risks. As the storms began to subside, meteorologists warned of the potential for dry lightning and wildfires in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay alert and prepare for changing weather conditions.

Thunderstorms Strike Southern California: What You Need to Know!

Residents across Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, were treated to quite a show on Tuesday afternoon as booming thunderstorms took to the skies. The storm brought with it not only impressive lightning but also heavy rain and even some pea-sized hail. Unsurprisingly, flash flood warnings were issued as the skies opened up, prompting safety alerts throughout the region.

Flash Flood Warnings in Effect

The National Weather Service (NWS) was quick to act, issuing flash flood warnings for various areas where conditions turned hazardous. These storms raised concerns about life-threatening flooding, especially for those navigating the roads. If you were driving in the affected areas, it was wise to exercise extreme caution due to dangerous conditions.

In terms of rainfall, most parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties saw about a quarter inch. However, some of the more fortunate (or should we say unfortunate?) areas in the Inland Empire experienced heavier downpours, resulting in rainfall amounts ranging from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. For those living in isolated regions under flash flood warnings, the waters rose even higher, with rain totals reaching up to 2 inches.

One notable flash flood warning remained active until 7 p.m. for communities like Santa Clarita, Granada Hills, and Sylmar due to isolated thunderstorms that just wouldn’t quit.

Damage Reports and Advisories

Eastern Los Angeles County wasn’t spared either, as residents reported occurrences of small hail, which added a touch of surreal beauty to a rather chaotic weather day. With broad flood advisories scattered across central and southern Los Angeles County due to moderate to heavy rainfall, the public remained on alert.

As the sun began to set, the hope for drier conditions lingered on, with the NWS projecting that light to moderate showers and thunderstorms would start to dwindle between 7 and 8 p.m.. Even along the Orange County coast, where the rain totaled about a quarter inch, lingering thunderstorms kept things a bit exciting — and perhaps a bit unsettling.

At the Beach? Time to Head In!

For beachgoers, it was a day to be cautious. A beach hazards statement remained in effect as surf heights reached between 3 to 5 feet, with occasional sets hitting the 6-foot mark. Strong rip currents and the risk of lightning meant that many opted to leave the shore early.

Heavy Rain Accumulated in the Inland Empire

The heaviest rainfall fell in northern Riverside and San Bernardino counties, causing a flash flood warning that continued until 7:15 p.m. Areas like Riverside, San Bernardino, and Fontana saw rainfall rates that could be alarming — between 0.25 to 0.75 inches per hour, with localized rates hitting up to 1 to 2 inches.

Outdoor activities were disrupted, as reports of penny-sized hail in Hemet rolled in, demonstrating the relentless nature of the storm. The NWS issued a flood advisory until 8 p.m. for cities such as Corona and Lake Elsinore, where rainfall took its toll, accumulating between 0.5 to over 1.5 inches. In Temecula alone, there was about 1.67 inches of rain, and even more was reported in the Estelle Mountain area.

Looking Ahead

As the rain began to lighten, meteorologists anticipated that light rain and thunder would likely linger a bit longer but predicted calmer, drier weather as Wednesday approached. Forecasts indicated temperatures settling into the low to mid-70s across the region, which should bring a welcomed respite from the storm.

However, don’t let your guard down just yet! The dry air could lead to potential dry lightning and increase the risk of wildfires in the coming days. That’s why experts are urging everyone to prepare for the upcoming fire season by having evacuation plans and necessary preparations in place.

As always, stay safe and keep an eye on the weather alerts. Southern California is full of surprises—even the weather!