The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
A report from the NWS San Diego CA was issued on Thursday at 10:36 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 p.m. for San Diego County Mountains and San Diego County Deserts.
Expect marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 10:36 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near I-8 Between Boulevard And Imperial County Line, moving west at 20 mph,” says the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include I-8 Between Pine Valley And Boulevard, I-8 Between Boulevard And Imperial County Line, southern Mount Laguna, Hwy S2 Between Canebrake And Imperial County Line, Boulevard, Hwy S2 Vallecito Creek Rd, Campo, La Posta Indian Reservation, Tierra Del Sol, Campo Indian Reservation, Live Oak Springs, Jacumba and Manzanita Indian Reservation.
The NWS states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
This alert is in effect until 11:15 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
- To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
- If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
- Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
- Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- If you are camping in an open space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.
- Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.
What to do in the rain on the road?
- Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
- Avoid puddles – Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
- Give ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas – When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published August 6, 2026 at 10:37 PM.