BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Wednesday morning brought unexpected thunderstorms that woke many South Valley residents.
A cut-off low that had been lingering southwest of California since the previous weekend finally moved into south-central California. The combination of just enough moisture, lift, and instability triggered lightning, thunder, rain, and even hail across Kern County.
Most areas saw light rainfall, as dry air between the clouds and the ground limited accumulation. However, just over the county line near Visalia, an inch of rain fell in only half an hour, causing localized flooding…