Huge thunderstorms producing flash flood conditions in eastern San Diego County

The National Weather Service on Saturday issued a flash flood warning for the eastern half of San Diego County, where huge thunderstorms are producing heavy rain, winds and lightning, particularly along Interstate 8, east of Alpine. Heavy rain also was hitting the Palomar Mountain area and edging toward Borrego Springs.

The weather service said at 3:20 p.m. that, “Some locations that will experience flooding include Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Hwy 78 Between Banner and S2, Julian, northern Mount Laguna, Hwy 78 Between S2 and Borrego Springs Rd, Lake Cuyamaca, Hwy S1 between Lake Cuyamaca andMount Laguna, Hwy 79 Between Julian And Lake Cuyamaca, Hwy S2 between Shelter Valley And Agua Caliente and Descanso.”

Drivers attending Saturday’s Miramar Air Show could encounter downpours if they travel east on I-8. The thunderstorms are not expected to flow far to the west and affect the Padres home game with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which begins at 5:40 p.m. at Petco Park.

The warning will be in effect through 5:15 p.m. and could be extended if unstable moisture continues to flow into the region. Forecasters say they’re expecting some of the heaviest rain to fall in and around Julian, Alpine, Mount Laguna and Campo. The warning will switch to a watch at 5:15 p.m. and will last until at least 7 p.m.