The first of two back-to-back storms is spreading across San Diego County and has produced cloud-to-ground lightning near San Diego International Airport, at Mission Beach and in Chula Vista — a phenomenon that is fairly rare at the coast.
The clouds generating the lightning are moving 50 mph to the northeast and have also produced bolts in La Mesa.
The National Weather Service issued an advisory saying that the lightning could last until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters advise the public to take cover as soon as they hear or see lightning. The air surrounding bolts of lightning can reach 50,000 degrees.
The system is producing sporadic and scattered rain from Oceanside to Imperial Beach and communities off to the east. Forecasters say the storm could generate about 0.30 inches of rain in the San Diego area by late Wednesday night.
A second wave of moisture is expected on Friday and could deliver upwards of 0.70 inches of precipitation throughout the county.
