Flash flooding hits Riverside, San Bernardino counties

A flash flood watch has been issued for parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties as another round of thunderstorms brings with it the possibility of more downpours and flooded roads.

Heavy rainfall Thursday caused widespread flooding in roads and river channels in desert and mountain communities, stranding cars and felling trees. At one point, roughly 10,000 customers were without power in Riverside on Thursday, city spokesman Phil Pitchford told KTLA-TV.

In San Bernardino County, images of downed trees and cars stranded in water topping their wheel-wells were sent in to local TV stations. Riverside City College announced it would reopen Friday after canceling classes the previous night due to the flooding.

The National Weather Service warned that a wave of subtropical moisture over Southern California will produce more thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening in the inland mountains and deserts.

A flash flood watch was issued for Riverside and San Bernardino mountains and deserts, as well as the Coachella, Lucerne and Apple valleys, starting at 11 a.m. Heavy rainfall could also cause mud and debris flows in areas previously scorched by wildfire, the National Weather Service warned.

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jason.wells@latimes.com

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