11Marble-Sized Hail Pummels San Diego Mountains & Deserts
Strong Thunderstorm Alert for San Diego Mountains & Deserts: What You Need to Know
Important Notice: This article explains a weather alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for San Diego County. It includes safety tips for lightning, driving in heavy rain, and what to do if your car hydroplanes.
What Happened?
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 10:36 p.m., the NWS in San Diego issued a Strong Thunderstorm Warning for the San Diego County Mountains and San Diego County Deserts. The alert was in effect until 11:15 p.m. that same night.
Where Was the Storm?
At the time of the alert, Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near I-8 Between Boulevard and Imperial County Line, moving west at 20 mph.
What to Expect
- Marble-sized hail (about 0.5 inches wide)
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph
- Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects
- Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible
Callout: If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately.
Locations Affected
The following areas were included in the warning:
- I-8 Between Pine Valley and Boulevard
- I-8 Between Boulevard and Imperial County Line
- Southern Mount Laguna
- Hwy S2 Between Canebrake and Imperial County Line
- Boulevard
- Hwy S2 Vallecito Creek Rd
- Campo
- La Posta Indian Reservation
- Tierra Del Sol
- Campo Indian Reservation
- Live Oak Springs
- Jacumba
- Manzanita Indian Reservation
Lightning Safety: How to Stay Safe
Lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year, mostly in summer. Around 20 people die each year from lightning. The danger is highest when a storm is right overhead.
If You Can Get Indoors:
- Plan ahead – Know where to go for safety before you go outside.
- Watch the sky – If it looks dark or you hear thunder, get to shelter fast.
- Once inside, avoid:
- Corded phones
- Electrical devices (TVs, computers, etc.)
- Plumbing (sinks, showers, tubs)
- Windows and doors
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before going back out.
If You’re Stuck Outside (No Building Nearby):
- Don’t stand in open fields, on hilltops, or ridge lines.
- Stay away from tall, lone trees or tall objects. In a forest, stay near shorter groups of trees.
- Spread out if you’re in a group – this stops electricity from jumping between people.
- Camping? Set up in a valley, ravine, or low area. Tents do NOT protect you from lightning.
- Avoid water, wet things, and metal objects – they don’t attract lightning, but they conduct electricity very well.
Driving in Heavy Rain: Stay Safe on the Road
Rain makes driving dangerous. Follow these tips:
Do These Things:
- Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, this helps you see and be seen.
- Stay in middle lanes – Water pools at the edges of roads.
- Avoid puddles – They can cause hydroplaning (sliding on water).
- Give big trucks and buses extra space – Their spray blocks your view.
- Never drive through flooded roads – Turn around! Flash floods can sweep cars away. Deep water can also ruin your car’s engine and electronics.
What Is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose contact with the road and slide on a thin layer of water. You lose steering and braking control.
Top 3 Causes:
| Cause | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 1. Speed | Faster = less tire grip. Slow down in rain. |
| 2. Water Depth | Even a thin layer can cause hydroplaning. Deeper water = worse. |
| 3. Worn Tires | Low or no tread = can’t push water away. Check tires often. |
What to Do If You Hydroplane:
- Ease off the gas – Don’t brake hard. Let the car slow naturally.
- Steer into the skid – Turn the wheel in the direction the back of the car is sliding. This helps tires regain grip.
- Wait for traction – Once tires grip the road again, gently straighten the wheel.
- Brake carefully:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)? Press brake firmly and hold.
- Older car (no ABS)? Pump brakes gently.
Summary
- A strong thunderstorm warning was issued for San Diego mountains and deserts on Aug 6, 2026 at 10:36 p.m., lasting until 11:15 p.m.
- The storm brought hail (0.5 in.) and winds up to 50 mph.
- Seek shelter indoors – avoid windows, plumbing, and electronics.
- If caught outside, avoid high ground, tall trees, water, and metal.
- Driving in rain? Use headlights, stay in middle lanes, avoid puddles and floods.
- Hydroplaning = tires sliding on water. Slow down, check tires, and know how to react.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What size was the hail?
The hail was marble-sized, about 0.5 inches in diameter.
2. How long did the warning last?
From 10:36 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. on August 6, 2026 — about 39 minutes.
3. Can a tent protect me from lightning?
No. Tents offer zero protection from lightning. Get into a building or hard-topped vehicle.
4. Why shouldn’t I drive through a flooded road?
- Flash floods can sweep your car away.
- Deep water can destroy your engine and electrical system.
- Just 12 inches of moving water can carry off a small car.
5. How do I know if my tires are safe for rain?
Check the tread depth. Use the penny test: Put a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you see all of his head, your tread is too low — replace tires.
Source: National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego
Originally published: August 6, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Content created with AI assistance based on journalist-reviewed templates.
