Severe thunderstorm slams Southern California, bringing intense hail
Video captured the moment an icy onslaught of hail rained down on cars amid thunderstorms threatening Southern California on Thursday afternoon.
Large pieces of hail can be seen pelting the roofs and windows of parked vehicles in Porter Ranch, quickly transforming the parking lot into a wintry landscape.
The intense hail storm hit areas across the Southland as the icy chunks slammed homes and pedestrians who happened to get caught in the downpour.
A flash flood warning was issued throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties as “life-threatening” thunderstorms producing heavy rain will arrive, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning will remain in effect through at least 7 p.m. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may cause landslides along with the flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
Residents should seek shelter and protect their property as heavy rains will flood roadways and create hazardous driving conditions.
Large pieces of hail rained down on parked vehicles in Porter Ranch during a thunderstorm on March 7, 2024. (@shayera) Large pieces of hail rained down on parked vehicles in Porter Ranch during a thunderstorm on March 7, 2024. (@shayera) Severe hail storm on the 118 Freeway near Porter Ranch on March 7, 2024. (KLTA viewer Sarah) Hail storm slams Chatworth area on March 7, 2024. (@Skye3411) Severe hail storm on the 118 Freeway near Porter Ranch on March 7, 2024. (KLTA viewer Sarah) Storms clouds gathering in Southern California on March 7, 2024. (KTLA) Major roadway flooding in Encino as severe thunderstorms covered Southern California on March 7, 2024. (KTLA) Large pieces of hail rained down on parked vehicles in Porter Ranch during a thunderstorm on March 7, 2024. (@shayera) Large pieces of hail rained down on parked vehicles in Porter Ranch during a thunderstorm on March 7, 2024. (@shayera)
“For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building,” said NWS. “Very heavy downpours capable of flooding will be possible.”
A flash flood warning will is also in effect near the Fish Fire burn scar and the southern part of the Bobcat Fire burn scar.
“Turn around and don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” advises NWS. “Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become
unstable and unsafe.”
L.A. County lifeguard officials also monitoring lightning threats reported from Will Rogers State Beach down through Venice Beach on Thursday night. Visitors are advised to refrain from entering the ocean water during this time and should seek shelter away from the shore.
A high surf advisory will cover beaches across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties where large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet are possible while dangerous rip currents are expected, said NWS. Ocean drowning will remain an increased risk until Friday at 8 a.m.
Footage of the hail storm can be viewed in the video player above.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
