Lightning Storm Closes OC Beaches As Rain Batters Region

SEAL BEACH, CA — City officials closed Seal Beach and Seal Beach Pier late Wednesday morning after lightning and thunder prompted safety concerns.

The closure comes as rain batters the region as a part of an "unsettled weather pattern" predicted by the National Weather Service.

"The beach and pier are closed after the last lightning strike," Marine Safety Lieutenant Bolin told Patch. "We will reassess in 30 minutes."

Seal Beach residents can expect a fair amount of rain over the weekend, after sunny skies and mild temperatures gave way to clouds and rain across much of Southern California.

The rain is expected to start Wednesday and linger into the weekend, though the storm is not expected to be a major rain-maker.

According to the National Weather Service, an "unsettled weather pattern" will develop over the next few days as a "slow-moving Pacific storm system moves over the region."

"Light to moderate rain and cooler temperatures will spread over the region Wednesday through Sunday," according to the NWS. "The highest chances for precipitation will be Wednesday and again Friday into Saturday."

Rain totals are expected to be relatively low, with the first wave producing between a quarter- and half-inch of rain Wednesday, according to the NWS.

The second wave of the storm from Friday into Saturday is expected to be slightly stronger, but forecasters said latest estimates show it will range from a half-inch to 1.5 inches, although some earlier projections indicated as much as 3 inches might fall.

"It's possible amounts could be quite a bit less than that," according the NWS.

Forecasters noted the storm "is looking considerably weaker than earlier forecasts and now most areas will only be looking at periods of light to locally moderate rain showers at most."

The weather should dry out by early next week, but low clouds and fog will likely develop over the area Sunday night into Monday.

In Seal Beach, residents can expect showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms Wednesday night. On Thursday, residents can expect a 50 percent chance of showers with temperatures peaking at around 70 degrees.

Friday, residents can expect a 50 percent chance of rain that will likely stick around through Saturday and Sunday.