Patch Photo: Lightning Lights Up Orange County Skyline

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Rain showers, hail and stormy conditions were the story of Orange County's weather Tuesday night, a stark contrast to the sweltering conditions Orange County residents faced the week prior.

Rancho Santa Margarita resident photographer Michael Rukov captured this electrifying lightning bolt while standing in his daughter's room at his home on Via Jaquima.

The jagged bolt of lightning framed by the quintessential Southern California palm trees is an accurate depiction of an ever-changing Californian winter: lots of sun, palm trees and random moments of actual cold weather.

Lightning was not the only force Orange County residents reckoned with Tuesday night. Reports of thick hail were observed in San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Dana Point and Santa Ana.

Patch loves weather photos! Did you get any impressive shots of the weather conditions Tuesday night? Send them to your local Patch editor for a chance to be featured. Please make sure that submitted photos are horizontally shot.