The summer monsoon sparked wild, slow-moving thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon in East County, generating 200 to 250 lightning bolts that sent people scurrying for cover, the National Weather Service said.
The worst conditions occurred from about 2 to 4 p.m. in and around Pine Valley and Julian. Roughly half the bolts struck the ground, which is bone-dry due to the above average temperatures the region has been having. But the weather service said it doesn’t appear the lightning sparked brushfires in the area.
The thunderstorms also produced hail, notably in Pine Valley, near Interstate 8, and winds gusts 30 mph to 40 mph in some areas.
There’s a possibility that another round of thunderstorms will occur Wednesday. Forecasters also have noted that the temperature in downtown San Diego could hit 80, just as Comic-Con gets under way. About 130,000 people will attend the convention during its five-day run.
