Here's Where The Temecula Valley Was Hit By Lightning Wednesday: MAP

TEMECULA, CA – Temecula Valley residents awoke Wednesday morning to a scene out of a tropical island. Thunder, lightning and rain came down on the area – and left nearly as quickly as it rolled into town.

However, in the time that it was over the region, National Weather Service officials say dozens of lightning strikes were recorded and up to an inch of rain fell in some rural locations near the area.

The rain was not consistent, though, dumping heavier amounts near Hemet, while only 0.04 inches in southern Temecula, Meteorologist Brett Albright tells Patch. In Vail Lake, 0.44 inches of rain was recorded. However, it's important to note that due to the locations of the thunderstorms in proximity to rain gauges, heavier amounts may have fallen in between locales.

Approximately 35 lightning strikes were recorded in the Temecula Valley area, with an estimated 14 of those being "cloud-to-ground" strikes, according to NWS data. The rest were the less-dangerous variety of "cloud-to-cloud" strikes. In the map above and below, you can see the approximate locations of the lightning.

Albright says that the weather pattern has passed for the day, and that the rest of the week should return to normal in the coming days.

"If people are headed into the mountains, there's a low chance of more storm activity up there," he said.

Check out the video below captured by Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig of the rain rolling through part of Temecula!

Did YOU capture any pictures or video of the crazy weather Wednesday morning? Share them in the comments below or email them to renee.schiavone@patch.com and we'll feature them here on Patch!

--

Main image credit: National Weather Service