Thunderstorms Possible Monday with Lightning, Hail and Strong Winds

Storms that formed over the Lake Elsinore area headed into San Diego County on Sunday, along with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

“They haven’t seen too much in the way of rain or severe weather yet in San Diego County, but we do expect that to change within the next 36 hours,” said weather service meteorologist James Thomas Sunday afternoon.

Heavier rain and thunderstorms that could produce lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind could be possible Monday afternoon and evening, the weather service said.

By late Sunday afternoon, a half-inch of rain was reported in Valley Center and 0.01 of an inch was reported in Boulevard and on Lyons Peak, according to the weather service.  

Shortly after 4:45 p.m., the California Highway Patrol reported heavy rain and lightning on Interstate 15 near Gopher Canyon Road.

The weather service said the isolated showers and thunderstorms to continue develop over mountain, valley and desert areas and move to west at about 20 mph.

Rainfall amounts from a tenth to a quarter of an inch were expected.

“We do expect the storm’s chances to continue and increase for San Diego County through tonight and especially through Monday evening into Monday
night as well,” Thomas said.

Thomas attributed the severe weather to a subtropical low pressure system over northern Baja California combined with elevated monsoonal moisture.

The service said widespread showers and thunderstorms were expected Monday, but should become scattered over the mountains again Tuesday afternoon.

–City News Service