Lightning — San Diego, California

2001-09-02 · near Julian, San Diego, California

Wider weather episode

Part of the remnants of Hurricane Flossie, moved across Southwest California over a three day period.On 09/01/01, thunderstorms formed over the mountains and deserts of San Diego and Riverside Counties. Many reported small hail ranging in diameter from a quarter inch to a half inch. On 9/2/01, thunderstorms formed over all the mountains. Rainfall of over 2 inches in one hour was observed. Flooding and mudslides across major roadways occurred between Barton Flats and Forest Falls, from Oak Glen south to Cherry Valley and into the Banning Pass near Beaumont, and around Lake Cuyamaca. Frequent lightning was recorded, with lightning detection sensors indicating about 60 strikes per hour. Numerous small fires were started in the National Forests. A group of four hikers climbing Stonewall Peak in the San Diego County Mountains encountered lightning and heavy rain. Two of the hikers stopped short of the peak and took shelter. Two others continued on to the lookout area which is surrounded by a metal railing. The 53 year old man was struck in the head by lightning and died. The other, a 13 year old boy, was knocked unconscious but survived. Small hail was observed by many. A downdraft from a thunderstorm knocked a tree onto a house in Beaumont. On 9/3/01, afternoon thunderstorms formed over the San Bernardino Mountains and the Apple Valley. Two boys in an open field in Apple Valley were hit by lightning. The 13 year old was eating from a cup of noodles when lightning hit him in the head and exited his groin area. He was pronounced dead some time later after CPR efforts were unsuccessful. The 9 year old boy standing next to him was holding a metal tool at the time. He "felt the lightning pick (him) up", and then awoke lying on the ground unable to feel his legs. He suffered burns to his right waist, left calf, left foot, and dehydration. Heavy downpours from the same thunderstorm caused street flooding as it moved further east.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5269138. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.