Dramatic lightning storm captured in video from SLO County

Dry thunderstorms that swept through much of Central California put on a show of lightning from San Luis Obispo County to Sacramento early Tuesday morning — and an Atascadero resident captured it on video.

More than 4,700 lightning strikes were recorded up and down the state from about midnight to 5:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Stefan Owechko began filming the thunderstorm at 4 a.m. in Atascadero, according to a video he posted to Youtube.

The National Weather Service said the forecast called for possible thunderstorms continuing in Los Angeles County through Wednesday at 8 p.m., with heavy downpours, the potential for flash flooding and wind gusts up to 60 mph around Lancaster and Palmdale.

The weather service advised people to be aware of conditions and seek shelter if thunder is heard.

This story was originally published September 2, 2025 at 1:05 PM.