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Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flash Flood Warnings in Southern California

A severe thunderstorm affecting Southern California, causing flash flood warnings in various areas.

News Summary

Southern California faced severe thunderstorms leading to flash flood warnings across multiple regions. Rainfall varied significantly, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of rain. The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening conditions, including flooding and lightning risks. Areas such as Santa Clarita and northern Orange County were particularly impacted, with expected thunderstorm activity continuing into the evening. While the storms will ease, officials remain cautious about potential fire risks from dry lightning in drier regions.

Los Angeles

Severe thunderstorms impacted Southern California on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the issuance of flash flood warnings across several regions. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned residents about life-threatening flooding, hazardous driving conditions, and the risks associated with lightning strikes.

Rainfall measurements varied significantly across the area. Most parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and southern Riverside counties registered approximately 0.25 inches of rain, while the Inland Empire experienced heavier downpours with totals ranging between 0.5 to 1.75 inches in areas under advisories. Isolated spots, particularly under flash flood warnings, recorded up to 2 inches of rain.

As thunderstorms rolled through the region, flash flood warnings were set to remain effective until 7 p.m. for areas such as Santa Clarita, Granada Hills, and Sylmar, which were experiencing severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, gusty winds, and potential hail. Eastern Los Angeles County reported pea-sized hail, per data from NWS meteorologist Todd Hall.

Along the Orange County coast, rainfall totals also reached around 0.25 inches, with thunderstorm activity expected to linger into the evening. A specific flash flood warning was in effect for northern Orange County, alongside an advisory extending until 8 p.m., which alerted residents to the possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas. Cities like Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and Fullerton witnessed rainfall amounts between 0.5 to 1 inch.

Flood Conditions and Warnings

Flash flood warnings remained active across various regions. The heaviest rainfall was reported in northern Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with warnings in effect until 7:15 p.m. Rainfall rates in affected areas fluctuated from 0.25 to 0.75 inches per hour, leading to the potential for further accumulations of between 0.5 to 1.5 inches.

Radar estimates indicated that nearly 1.75 inches of rain fell near Fontana and Rialto, while over 1.5 inches cascaded in parts of San Bernardino. Hail also made an appearance in the state’s inland regions, including instances of penny-sized hail recorded in Hemet. Flood advisories that extended through 8 p.m. included cities such as Corona, Temecula, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, and Perris, which measured rainfall between 0.5 to over 1.5 inches.

Weather Forecast

By Tuesday evening, thunderstorms were expected to dissipate, with light to moderate showers diminishing by 7 to 8 p.m. Forecasters indicated a return to calmer and drier weather was anticipated for Wednesday, with temperatures projected in the low to mid-70s throughout Southern California.

Additionally, thunderstorm activity led to multiple beach closures due to safety concerns over lightning risks. A beach hazards statement warned of elevated surf ranging from 3 to 5 feet, with occasional 6-foot sets and strong rip currents along the coast. The unusual low-pressure system, which pulled moist tropical air from Mexico, was responsible for the unprecedented thunderstorms, a rare occurrence for June.

Potential Fire Risks

Although the rainfall provided essential moisture, NWS officials expressed concerns regarding the potential for dry lightning to ignite fires in drier regions, complicating the overall impact of the storms. Residents are urged to remain cautious and aware of current weather conditions as the situation unfolds.