Thunderstorms Trigger Southwest Riverside County Flood Watch

RIVERSIDE, CA — Riverside County is on flood watch Saturday as heavy winds are expected in Southwest Riverside County.

The flood watch is in effect from Saturday through 5 a.m. Sunday due to showers and thunderstorms throughout the county.

"Thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours with rain rates of .50 to 1 inch per hour, most likely late this afternoon through this evening," the National Weather Service said Saturday morning.

The county had a 50% to 60% chance of precipitation Saturday with winds ranging from 5 to 15 mph. Temecula will be the windiest with possible wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Coachella Valley may also experience wind gusts as high as 20 mph Saturday night.

Although Coachella Valley and Palm Springs were on flood watch, the temperature will still reach a high of 85 and will drop as low as 67 at night, forecasters said.

"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop," advised the NWS.

City News Service