Lingering humidity brings potential thunderstorms to Southland; triple digit temperatures incoming
A monsoonal flow heading through the area caused lingering humidity and severe summer storms in several regions over the weekend, bringing conditions that were expected to remain through the early parts of the week.
Intense downpours caused flooding in the Angelus Oaks, bringing down heavy branches and foliage with it on the SR-38 leading to Big Bear, while in San Bernardino County, the roadways leading to Mojave National Desert sustained considerable damage due to heavy flooding which ripped portions of the asphalt apart.
Isolated thunderstorms remained a possibility in high desert and mountain regions throughout Monday thanks to the monsoonal movement, which has anchored itself over the Southland.
The threat remained prevalent in Los Angeles and Ventura County mountain ranges and Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys, though some thunderstorms and heavy rain were expected to make their way as far west as the Inland Empire.
As a result, a flood warning was issued for Riverside County, while a beach hazards statement was issued for L.A. County beaches with strong waves from 3-to-6 feet expected along with hazardous swimming conditions, lasting through Wednesday.
By 11:55 a.m. Monday, a thunderstorm touched down in Big Bear bringing heavy rainfall with rates of 0.50 to 0.70 inches an hour. A flash flood warning was issued until 2:45 p.m. Monday.
People were told to move to higher ground in the event of flooding and to avoid driving through flood waters.
Tropical storm Frank, formerly a hurricane, is causing the increased power of local surf.
The dew point reached 64 on Monday, well over the less than 60 level traditionally present in Southern California. These conditions were expected to last throughout the week until a drier movement hit the area, bringing triple digit temperatures over the weekend.
