Storms hit the Desert Southwest causing some damage
Storms hit the Desert Southwest today knocking down several power poles. Hail was also seen in some areas of La Paz County and the Imperial Valley.
Just before 3 p.m., the CBS 13 Desert Doppler picked up strong storms heading 20 miles per hour east, straight towards Salton City. Another storm passed just south of the Ocotillo area at 12 miles per hour. About one hour later, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Imperial County. Another strong storm was heading east into the El Centro area. Around 6 p.m., a Flash Flood Warning was also issued for the eastern part of Imperial Valley, which lasted until 8 p.m.
They were not the only ones to have that warning- La Paz County also had a Severe Thunderstorm Warning today as another strong storm passed the southern area near Quartzsite.The warning expired just after 3 p.m. However a power outage left several residents in the dark.
As for Yuma County, there was a Blowing Dust Advisory as winds picked up. Winds reach up to 50 miles per hour during a storm. The advisory lasted one hour, until 5 p.m. The Wellton area picked up a lot of rain. One resident shared some video of flooding. It was also reported that five power poles were knocked down. The area was issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning by the National Weather Service and a Flash Flood Warning.
It has still been pretty humid in the area. However, westerly winds will be approaching the Desert Southwest and will bring in dry air. This will lower our chances of rain and thunderstorms over the weekend and into next week.
As of 9 p.m., Doppler has not detected any storms for the area or any warnings. Although, there is light rain in some areas. There is a 20% chance of more scattered thunderstorms for tonight. Tomorrow morning, only La Paz County will have a chance of rain and scattered thunderstorms, at 10%.
