Flash Flood Watch Issued for Riverside County Valleys

A flash flood watch issued now includes Riverside County valleys.

The watch was issued at 1:30 p.m. and was in effect until 11 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

"Scattered thunderstorms are forecast over all the mountains...deserts...and Inland Empire," the weather service stated. "Thunderstorms late last night and early this morning did produce heavy rainfall...with amounts between two thirds of an inch and an inch to over two inches in a short period of time.

"The thunderstorms this afternoon and evening are also capable of producing similar or greater amounts of heavy rain...leading to excessive runoff and rapid filling and overflowing of normally dry creeks and streams."

Lightning and thunder hit Murrieta early Friday morning.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms were forecast for Murrieta through this evening, with a 50 percent chance of rain.