Thousands in California At Risk For 'Life-threatening' Flash Floods

Thousands of people in the San Diego, California, forecast area are at risk of "life-threatening" flash floods for the next several hours.

Thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall rates moved into the area near the Line Fire, which is a large wildfire currently burning in San Bernardino County. Although not particularly severe, the storms produced heavy rainfall rates ranging between half an inch and .75 inches, which contributed to a flash flooding threat over burn scar areas. The storms were caused by a low-pressure system moving through the area, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Sam Zuber told Newsweek.

Meteorologists at the NWS San Diego office issued the flash flood warning at 2:17 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. It is expected to remain in place until 5:30 p.m. PDT.

"Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 1 inch of rain has fallen," the flash flooding warning said. "Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 1.25 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly."

The warning went on to say the flash flooding was considered "life-threatening," and that floods would occur in creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Areas most likely to experience flash floods include San Bernardino, Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, Running Springs, Highway 18 between Running Springs And Big Bear, Highway 330 between San Bernardino and Running Springs, Angelus Oaks, Highway 18 between Running Springs and Skyforest and Mountain Home Village.

Meteorologists urged motorists in the area to turn around when encountering flooded roadways.

"Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," the alert said.

"Move away from recently burned areas. Life-threatening flooding of creeks, roads and normally dry arroyos is likely," the warning added. "The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas."

The damage threat from the floods is expected to be "considerable." Zuber told Newsweek that one of the biggest concerns with the floods was debris flows from the burn scars, as the soil there can't absorb water as easily as other areas.

"That's always the biggest concern after we've had a massive fire," Zuber said.

Zuber added that she's not sure if the rainfall will aid in firefighting efforts.