Summer storm uproots trees, knocks out power in Inland Empire

WINCHESTER, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands of Southern Californians woke up from a hot night without electricity due to widespread power outages, many related to the heat wave and the storm.

The National Weather Service posted a flash-flood watch for Riverside County Wednesday, when a large storm cell hit the region. High winds uprooted and toppled trees and knocked down fences. Tree branches also snapped and fell into power lines.

Nearly 2,000 customers spent the night without power in Edgemont, Moreno Valley and Corona. Most of the power was restored by 7:30 a.m. Thursday, and DWP officials said all power should be back by 3 p.m.

Many Los Angeles County residents were left in the dark as well. Nearly 6,000 Department of Water and Power customers were without electricity in Jefferson Park, East Hollywood, Arlington, Pacific Palisades and Exposition Park.

With another hot day ahead, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is asking residents to reduce energy use. Southern California Edison is also urging customers to go easy Thursday, even offering a credit to their bill if they reduce energy use.