Power Out in Borrego Springs as Thunderstorms Threaten East County

Thunderstorms knocked out power in the Borrego Springs area to about 430 homes and businesses today, as another afternoon thunderstorm capable of producing wind and hail hit the area.

Early in the afternoon today, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for central San Diego County, including Borrego Springs. Doppler radar detected a thunderstorm capable of producing quarter- sized hail and winds of more than 60 mph about 6 miles west of the community, the NWS said.

Ranchita and Shelter Valley were also included under the warning, which was set to expire at 3:30 p.m.

The power outage hit Borrego Springs, Shelter Valley and Canebrake Friday afternoon. The lightly-populated area was served by "micro-generators" in Borrego Springs while repairs were made to the connection to the San Diego Gas & Electric Co. grid, and all customers were black out for 15 minutes as the outside connection was re-established, a company spokesman said.

Today's flash flood warning was in effect through 3:30 p.m. for north- central San Diego County, where an estimated 1.75 to 2.25 inches of rain had fallen in a few hours Friday. Although heavy rain had stopped falling over parts of the area, flash flooding may still be possible.

"This is a dangerous storm," the NWS warning stated. "If you are in its path, prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail and deadly cloud to ground lightning."

Thunderstorms between Palomar Mountain and Warner Springs were expected to lead to ponding on roadways and minor flooding along state Route 79, according to the weather service. An urban and small stream flood advisory was in effect through 5 p.m. for north-central San Diego County.

Roadway flooding was reported shortly before 2 p.m. along state Route 94 near the Shockey Truck Trail, east of Dulzura, according to the California Highway Patrol. Heavy rain and hail were falling in Pine Valley near state Route 79 around 1 p.m., the CHP said.

A flash flood watch issued for East County mountains and deserts is set to extend until 8 p.m.. Monsoon moisture was expected to result in scattered showers and thunderstorms, the NWS said.

"Conditions remain favorable for strong, slow moving thunderstorms to produce flash flooding and excessive runoff, especially over and downstream from recent wildfires," according to the NWS.

Potentially damaging wind and hail could also be possible, meteorologists said.

Those in the area were advised to move to higher ground.

"Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property," the warning stated. "Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile."

-- City News Service