A flash flood warning was issued Thursday afternoon for Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties as a powerful thunderstorm dumping an inch of rain an hour approached the area.
“Doppler radar indicated a thunderstorm producing heavy rain across the warned area,” the National Weather Service statement issued just before 2 p.m. read. “Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly if not already occuring.”
Strong winds, hail, and lightning strikes were expected in the Antelope Valley, northern Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, the agency said. Residents were told to stay in doors, move to higher ground and to avoid driving on flooded streets.