SAN DIEGO -- A powerful storm rolled through the county early Monday morning, producing an impressive light show and loud thunder claps that woke people up from their slumber.
Lightning even struck a home in the College Area and knocked out power in the neighborhood. The homeowner described hearing what sounded like a bomb go off. The house ended up with minor damage.
Lightning also hit a palm tree in the Valencia Park neighborhood, sparking a small fire.
POWER OUTAGES
Power outages directly linked to this morning's thunderstorms and lightning strikes left more than 2,100 San Diego-area homes and businesses in the dark today.
The majority of the extended outages struck between 3 and 7 a.m. and affected 2,137 utility customers, San Diego Gas & Electric spokeswoman Elizabeth Beaver said. The figure does not include accounts that were without electrical service for a couple minutes or less, she said.
Service had been restored in most of the affected areas by about 10:15 a.m., but crews were still working to bring back power to 395 utility customers in University Heights and 130 in City Heights, Beaver said.
Power was expected to be restored to City Heights around noon, and an hour later in University Heights, Beaver said. OUTAGE MAP
MORNING FOG
A dense fog advisory is also in effect for Monday until 9 a.m. Poor visibility, combined with slick roads, will impact morning commuters. TRAFFIC MAP
WILDFIRE RISK
Dry lightning that could cause wildfires is expected to strike around San Diego County today as thunderstorms develop over the region, although any rainfall will likely evaporate before reaching the ground.
A National Weather Service fire weather watch for areas other than the deserts will take effect at 6 a.m. today and extend through this evening.
Happy Monday, check out my awesome lightning strike! Be safe, it's wet and foggy on the roads! pic.twitter.com/Ts7iLUEgaq
— Michael Dean Gold (@10newsGold) September 19, 2016
"Frequent lightning strikes have the potential to produce multiple fire starts," according to the weather service.
Moisture is expected to increase tonight and lower the lightning risk.
Winds of less than 20 miles per hour, but with gusts to 35 mph, and low humidity were also expected to contribute to the wildfire risk in various areas prone to thunderstorms.
Forecasters said there would be a chance of thunderstorms again Tuesday, but with increased humidity. FULL FORECAST
Caught these amazing photos with an IPhone 6 in National City. I was scared for my life! ?? @10News pic.twitter.com/gY12CjXhHC
— BRENDABIRD (@brendaloforever) September 19, 2016
10News issued a Breaking Weather Alert late Sunday evening as part of our commitment to keeping you informed when a change in weather can impact you. Stay with us for live updates on air, online, on the 10News mobile app and on Facebook and Twitter.
