BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A storm system swept through Kern County bringing rain, lightening and multiple severe weather warnings. The slow moving warm tropical storm came off the southern California coastline.
The National Weather Service issued both tornado and thunderstorm warnings during the evening hours, and confirmed with 23ABC there was cloud to ground lightening. Dark clouds swept through the region bringing wet weather causing flooding in local areas. The valley saw street flooding and on and off moderate to heavy rain. California Highway Patrol rescued several people who were stuck in water off of Hank Road and State Road in Oildale.
Kevin Durfee, a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Bakersfield had some issues with flooding.
“We had some issues with flooding in the Bakersfield area. It looks like radar is going to continue to show showers moving up from the south through the night tonight, but they’ll generally be on the light side. We may get up to a tenth to a quarter of an inch additional rain tonight," said Durfee.
On the Grapevine lighting was spotted on and off in the area, and a down pour of rain continued through the evening.
Durfee said the Frazier Park area received up to three inches of rain today. He also said mountain communities will continue to battle flooding issues through the evening.
“We still have some opportunities for rain tomorrow. The storm that's bringing the rain is still well off-shore and it's going to be moving just south of Kern County during the next 24 hours,” said Durfee.
The NWS said most shower activity will be in the afternoon hours, and the worst of the storm system is behind us.
