Heavy rains and lightning pounded areas in the Inland Empire and southern Riverside County Thursday afternoon, causing flooding and creating treacherous driving conditions.
The storms developed in northern San Diego County and, by noon, moved into Anza and Idyllwild, according to the National Weather Service.
"It was raining really heavy for about 30 or 40 minutes,'' said Riverside County firefighter Terri Szabo. "There was a lot of thunder and lightning."
Sheets of rain were reducing visibility and making roads slippery on state Route 74 near Mountain Center, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The storms stretched across the Coachella Valley by mid-afternoon.
At 2:45 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for central Riverside County, including Perris and Hemet, warning of damaging winds and downpours.
A flash flood warning remains in effect until 4:45 p.m. for the eastern Antelope Valley, Lake Los Angeles, Pearblossom, and areas near the 18 and 138 highway, the Weather Service said.
Flooding along the Antelope Valley highway near 263rd Street was reported, the CHP said.
According to initial reports, several roads in the Phelan area had to be shut down as a thunderstorm made its way through the area and flooded streets.
Roads included: Palmdale Road at Sheep Creek Road; Palmdale Road at Johnson Road; Highway 138 at Beekley Road; and several roads near Beekley and Deer Haven roads.
Portions of Sheep Creek Road between Phelan and Palmdale roads were rendered impassible by fast-moving water, the CHP said.
The CHP warned motorists not to drive on roadways covered with water.
