Lightning Storm Triggers Santa Monica Beach Closures

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica and several Los Angeles County beaches were forced to close as an unsettling storm pushed across the regional bringing wet winter-like weather just before Memorial Day weekend kicks of the start of beach season.

Santa Monica issued a lightning advisory, ordering people off the beaches and urging them to "seek shelter indoors."

The storm brought thunder and lighting to some areas Wednesday, and lifeguards closed LA County beaches as a precaution. As the afternoon began, clouds rolled in, and showers moved into the area from the north, bringing thunderstorms to parts of the San Gabriel Valley and Pomona. as well as West Los Angeles area and the Santa Monica Mountains.

Lightning spotted off the coast prompted Los Angeles County lifeguards to clear beaches from El Segundo to Malibu around 2:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service warned residents that the system could bring lightning, hail, gusty winds and downpours, possibly causing some flooding.

Forecasters said the chance of rain will linger into the evening, with a 20 percent chance of showers on Thursday.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin