San Diego County Hit By Winds, Rain, Lightning

A stubborn monsoonal heat wave kept the San Diego area roasting again Tuesday and added to the misery by generating lightning, heavy rain, hail and stiff winds that sent trees and power lines crashing down onto roads and buildings. The National Weather Service reported showers from downtown to Mira Mesa produced an estimated half-inch to an inch of rain late Tuesday afternoon.

The late-summer onslaught of oppressively sultry conditions once more hiked temperatures up into the triple digits inland and spread wilting humidity throughout the county.

In the early afternoon, thunderheads created by the sticky swelter erupted in an intense storm that sent down heavy precipitation — some of it in the form of frozen pellets — and kicked up heavy winds in Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego and Casa de Oro, authorities said.

The storm knocked over dozens of trees along with power poles, damaging homes, vehicles and commercial structures and blocking roads, Cal Fire Capt. Kendal Bortisser said.

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear. No injuries were reported, Bortisser said.

Related: Map of storm damage

Forecasters urged people to schedule outdoor activities for the cool of the morning or in evening, to take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas and to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Those planning to be outside were advised to wear light, loose clothing and to drink plenty of water.

The heat and mugginess were expected to continue Wednesday as remnants of Hurricane Odile keep swamping the region, according to the National Weather Service. A cooling trend should begin Thursday and bring temperatures back down to near-normal readings by the weekend, the NWS advised.