Sudden Storm Drenches Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Southland residents were caught off guard Friday afternoon when the warm sun suddenly gave way to downpours and, in some areas, lightning.
The storm hit around 2:30 p.m., moving across South Los Angeles and heading toward Orange County, the National Weather Service reported.
Thunderstorms rattled Downtown and East L.A. about 3:40 p.m.
Burbank and other parts of the San Fernando Valley were drenched in heavy rain.
The downpour snarled rush-hour traffic and caused the L.A. River to swell.
The river's current moved so fast that a dog who fell in near Universal City was swept away and unable to get out.
The L.A. Fire Department was called around 4 p.m. and performed a successful air rescue of the Labrador retriever.
The storm was fueled by a low-pressure system from the south containing tropical moisture, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said a chance of isolated thunderstorms could linger in the area Friday night. Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the weekend.
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