National Weather Service Warns of Severe Thunderstorms from Lake Elsinore to Hemet

UPDATE: 5:10 pm

Riverside - A flash flood watch was in effect today in the Inland Empire until 7 p.m. because of the potential thunderstorm activity, as well as an excessive heat warning for the entire area.

''These storms will contain frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, local wind gusts to 45 mph, small hail and heavy rain capable of flooding normally dry creeks and low-lying areas,'' the forecast said.

Portions of the Inland Empire along a line from Lake Elsinore toward Hemet could also have thunderstorm activity with heavy rain and Riverside County valleys could also be affected, according to the NWS.

COACHELLA - Temperatures reached 116 degrees in parts of the Coachella Valley today, and thunderstorms were scattered throughout the San Jacinto Mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

At 2:58 p.m. today, the weather service issued a flood advisory for the Coachella Valley because strong thunderstorms over San Gorgonio Mountain and the mountains of Riverside County were producing very heavy rainfall.

According to the weather service, runoff will flow into the Whitewater River Channel and washes near the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, and this could inundate low-water crossings and potentially created dangerous swift- water stretches. Locations impacted include Palm Springs and Whitewater, the NWS said.

The weather service also issued an excessive heat warning in the Coachella Valley that will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Monday. Predicted daytime highs could reach 118 degrees in some areas today and 116 degrees on Monday.

''Hot days followed by warm and humid nights can limit the body's ability to keep cool,'' the NWS warned. ''Visiting hikers and campers unfamiliar with intense desert heat are especially susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Pets are also susceptible to this heat as well.''

The NWS advised to take extra precautions in dealing with the heat, such as rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or early evening, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drinking plenty of water.

Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory issued

UPDATE: At 2:58 pm this afternoon, the National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a small stream flood advisory for rapid rises in normally dry washes in central Riverside County and extreme south central San Bernardino County until 6 pm.

Locations impacted include Palm Springs and Whitewater.

Excessive rainfall in the mountains upstream of the whitewater basin

Is expected to result in significant flows into the Coachella storm water channel. This could inundate low-water crossings and possibly create dangerous swift water stretches.

Riverside COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SAN BERNARDINO AND Riverside COUNTY VALLEYS -THE INLAND EMPIRE-The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for minor flooding of urban areas in Central Riverside County in Southern California until 4:45 pm.

At 1:52 pm a cluster of intense thunderstorms have developed and are producing very heavy rain and lightning. Heavy rain from these storms is likely to produce street flooding and possible mud and rock slides.

Locations impacted include Idyllwild, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Valle Vista, Aguanga, Anza, Lake Hemet, San Jacinto Peak and Santa Rosa Mountain.

Precautionary/preparedness actions include not driving your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.

A flood advisory means river or stream flows are elevated or ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.