A storm brought heavy rain, lightning and hail to the northwestern reaches of San Diego County Wednesday and could lead to flash flooding, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood effective through Wednesday evening for the mountains, deserts and valleys.
“Scattered thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain will be possible through this evening,” according to the advisory. “Flash flooding is possible where heavy rain occurs and some distance downstream.”
In addition, a beach hazards statement for lightning was in effect through 11 a.m.
Forecasters said showers and scattered thunderstorms moving across Southern California could lead to more heavy rain and flash flooding, especially along mountain streams, desert washes and below burned areas. The valleys may also be susceptible to flooding, especially near the foothills.
Doppler radar indicated moderate to heavy rainfall over burn scars at Camp Pendleton about 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, according to the weather service. As of 6:20 a.m., moderate to heavy showers and a few embedded thunderstorms were continuing to move onshore between Oceanside and San Clemente.
An urban and small stream flood advisory for the coastal areas and valleys in the northwestern portion of the county, including Camp Pendleton, Oceanside and Fallbrook, is scheduled to extend until 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters said minor flooding would be possible “due to the continual rain over the recent burn scars in Camp Pendleton.”
“Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels on small creeks and streams, and ponding of water in urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage areas and low-lying spots,” according to the weather service advisory.
Meteorologists were also tracking a line of showers with embedded thunderstorms between Temecula and Perris, prompting the issuance of a significant weather advisory that stretched into the northwestern portion of San Diego County.
— City News Service