A very moist and unstable air mass was in place over far southeast California on the 13th, and a weather disturbance moving slowly through the area caused scattered to numerous thunderstorms to develop during the morning hours across Imperial county. Additional storms continued to develop and move across much of the county during the afternoon and evening hours, producing locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Some locations picked up 1 to 2 inches of rain, and isolated spots saw rainfall in excess of 3 inches. The heavy rain also caused localized flooding and ponding of water that persisted well into the evening hours.

Flash Flood in IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA
From 13-JUL-12 14:00:00 to 13-JUL-12 18:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: SALTON CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Scattered thunderstorms developed across northwest Imperial county during the early afternoon hours on July 13th. The storms persisted in the area for several hours and produced locally heavy rainfall in the area to the west of Salton Sea. At 427 pm, the California Highway Patrol reported the closure of State Route 78, west of the junction with highway 86, due to flooding. In addition, there were reports of several vehicles trapped in running washes as well as flooding across other area roadways.

Flash Flood in IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA
From 13-JUL-12 15:30:00 to 13-JUL-12 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: SEELEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A weather disturbance moving into a very moist and unstable atmosphere led to numerous showers and thunderstorms across Imperial county during the afternoon and evening hours on July 13th. Radar indicated that between one and two inches of rain fell across portions of southwest Imperial county from 215 to 315 pm and a flash flood warning was issued for areas including the communities of Seeley and Plaster City. According to California Emergency Managers, at 6 pm there was a water rescue of an irrigation district employee at the intersection of Drew Road and the railroad tracks approximately one mile west of the town of Seeley.

Flood in IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA
From 13-JUL-12 20:00:00 to 14-JUL-12 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: NILAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Scattered thunderstorms developed across Imperial county during the late morning and then continued well into the day on July 13th. The storms generated heavy rain over central portions of the county, including Calipatria, and this led to areal flooding of roads, washes and low lying areas. Between 4 and 5 pm, a cluster of thunderstorms east of Calipatria  produced 2 to 3 inches of rain based on radar estimates, highly increasing the threat of flooding. At approximately 10 pm, Imperial county emergency management personnel reported flooding into agricultural fields between Calipatria and Niland due to overflowing canals. Water was reported to be coming in from the east. Flood waters were affecting 24 homes in the Calipatria area, and there was a report of damage to the Highline Canal. In addition, Blair road at the entrance into the Calipatria State Prison was flooded.