Lightning strike warnings shut down LA, OC beaches

Officials in Los Angeles and Orange Counties closed many Southern California beaches for the second day in a row because of the threat of lightning storms.

"We'll go to the pier, to the beaches and anybody in the water and tell them to seek shelter," said Long Beach Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina said. 

The National Weather Service warned of possible lightning strikes Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. along the coastal areas of Orange County. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to bring cloud-to-ground lightning strikes at beaches.

Due to lightning, Los Angeles County lifeguards closed beaches from Cabrillo through Torrance/Redondo Beach, along with Hermosa Beach. As a result of the warnings, Seal Beach shut down its beach, pier and McGaugh Pool, expecting to reopen when it was safe to do so after the thunderstorms passed. 

"We came to look for some waves, maybe see some surfers," said Osaze Crumedy, who was visiting from Houston. "But since the beach is closed we're not seeing that stuff.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast and are expected to move from southeast to northwest across Orange County. Medina said even though many may see patches of blue skies, it's not something we should take lightly because the consequences can be severe.

"Most of our injuries or deaths from lightning happen one-half hour before the storm arrives or one-half hour after the storm arrives," he said.

The NWS recommends staying out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions due to lightning.

"It's really important to seek shelter," Medina said. "Your car is a great place, an indoor building [but] not under a tree. Try and find an indoor building that's grounded."