Storm Produces 3,000 Lightning Strikes

More than 3,000 lightning strikes were logged in the Coachella Valley this morning amid thunderstorms.

The storm is not over and National Weather Service forecasters predict more violent weather this afternoon and tonight.

A flash flood watch will be in effect until 9 p.m., according to the NWS.

Earlier today, thunderstorms triggered fires, a power outage and downed trees, and prompted officials to close a few flood roads.

More than 3,000 lightning strikes were logged, NWS meteorologist James Thomas said.

Authorities also reported catching fire in Palm Desert.

As of 2 p.m., Palm Desert had received 0.59 inches of rain, 0.48 in Palm Springs and 0.42 inches in Thermal, Thomas said.

"The storms could redevelop this afternoon and drift into the Coachella Valley,'' he said.

A low-pressure system moved inland Monday night, drawing in monsoonal moisture from the south, Thomas said, adding that the storm should die down by midnight.

Flooding prompted road closures in Palm Springs and east of Indio, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Southern California Edison reported a weather-related electrical outage affecting more than 1,400 people in Palm Springs.

Power was expected to be restored by 9 p.m., according to SCE.

Thomas said storms could re-form tomorrow, but mainly over the mountains and Joshua Tree area.

Areas included in the flood advisory were Palm Desert, Bermuda Dunes, Borrego Springs, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Mecca, Palm Springs, Pine Valley Rancho Mirage, Thousand Palms, Agua Caliente Springs, Banner, Canebrake, Mount Laguna, Oasis, Ocotillo Wells, Ranchita, Santa Rosa Mountain and Shelter Valley.

The National Weather Service asked residents to rethink driving through flood waters on streets.

"Never drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road,'' the weather service reported.

City News Service contributed to this report.