Strong Storm Reported in Anza, Parts of Southern Riverside County

ANZA - The National Weather Service warned about thunderstorms and possible flooding in portions of southern Riverside County, and heavy rain was reported today in Anza, about 35 miles southwest of Palm Springs.

At 2:18 p.m., the weather service said its Doppler radar indicated a very strong storm over the mountains of southern Riverside County.

''Rain has started and we felt some thunder a few minutes ago,'' a woman who works for a Dairy Queen restaurant on Highway 371 in Anza said at 2:55 p.m. ''The clouds really look dark and I wouldn't be surprised if it rained a lot more.'' The forecast for the Anza and the surrounding region called for strong thunderstorms to continue to develop very quickly this afternoon and drift slowly to the northeast. Hail and strong gusty winds to 50 mph were possible, the Weather Service said.