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At 1:26 a.m. on Wednesday, the NWS San Diego CA issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 2:30 a.m. The warning is for Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 1:24 a.m., a band of severe thunderstorms was located near the the Los Angeles Orange County line moving slowly southeast. It will move through northern Orange County and the northwest Inland Empire through 2:30 a.m.,” adds the NWS. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Irvine, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Ontario, Corona, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Rialto, Mission Viejo, Chino, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Stanton and Seal Beach.
The NWS comments, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
This warning is in effect until 2:30 a.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
- To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
- If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
- Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- While driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Give ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
- Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published February 18, 2026 at 1:28 AM.
