15 Cloud-To-Ground Lightning Strikes Recorded In San Diego County

Thunderstorms that developed over San Diego County early Monday delivered lightning strikes that may have contributed to several brief power outages and small fires.

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Between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., 15 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were recorded in San Diego County and its coastal waters, according to the National Weather Service. A few small fires broke out around the same time, including in Valencia Park, Logan Heights and Chula Vista, although it was not immediately confirmed that lightning strikes were the cause. A fire weather watch for areas other than the deserts is in effect through this evening.

The storms dropped six-tenths of an inch of rain in San Diego and lesser amounts elsewhere in the county over a 12-hour period ending at 7 a.m., according to the weather service. Dense fog also blanketed the coastline this morning.

Forecasters attributed the inclement weather to a low pressure system off the coast that was drawing in moisture from Hurricane Paine. Moisture is expected to increase tonight and lower the lightning risk, but there will be a chance of thunderstorms again Tuesday.

"An influx of more substantial tropical moisture for tonight and Tuesday will increase the potential for wetting rains and decrease the potential for dry lightning," according to the weather service.