Thunder, lightening, rain and wind, Oh My!

Winds of 60 mph and torrential rain hit the Imperial Valley Wednesday afternoon. Moving in from the southeast, the storm left a swath of downed utility poles and power lines and flooded roads. Holtville, Calexico, El Centro and Imperial reported trees blown down and roofs damaged. A number of traffic accidents were also reported. Cars on Interstate 8 pulled over to the shoulder of the road due to reduced visibility and the freeway was closed,  eastbound between Stare Route 111 and Bowker Road and westbound, between Dogwood and State Route 111 due to downed power lines.. Local first responders were kept busy as well as Imperial Irrigation District crews, city and county public works departments