Lightning, rare thunderstorms hit Bay Area sparking fires and causing power outages
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A storm that brought dry lightning, heavy wind gusts and even some rain to the Bay Area has caused numerous large power outages in addition to vegetation fires.
RELATED: Here's what's causing rare thunderstorms in the San Francisco Bay Area
According to Meteorologist Drew Tuma, The lightning strikes started Saturday in San Luis Obispo, moving up overnight. He says lightning strikes are also possible Monday morning, from about 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. Track the rain and lightning strikes with Live Doppler 7 here.
According to Meteorologist Lisa Argen, there were 326 lightning strikes in 30 minutes in the 6 a.m. hour.
Bay Area fire crews are working to put out several brush fires after the rare thunderstorms moved through the area Sunday morning. According to CAL FIRE many of the fires were sparked by lightning strikes.
VIDEO: ABC7 tower cameras capture incredible lightning show across Bay Area
This comes as the region braces for another day of intense, record-breaking heat after more rolling power outages affected hundreds of thousands of people.
The National Weather Service says it estimates 2,500 lightning strikes overnight, calling it "insane."
At one point early Sunday morning, more than 200 lightning strikes occurred in less than 30 minutes across the Bay Area. Wind close to 50 miles per hour were seen as these storms rolled through.
VIDEO: Meteorologist Lisa Argen talks lightning, heat wave timeline
Even though it will be slightly cooler Sunday with the rain, clouds and possible thunderstorm, Argen says our inland heat looks to actually spike Monday and Tuesday.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued until 11 a.m. Monday for the threat of new wildfires starting because of these frequent lightning strikes.
Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast and take a look at recent weather stories and videos.
