Man Struck By Lightning, Brush Fires Reported On Catalina Island
AVALON (CBSLA.com) — A mid-day thunderstorm touched off at least two brush fires, and a man was struck by lightning Sunday on Catalina Island.
The National Weather Service reported a thunderstorm was located between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina just before 1 p.m. In addition to lightning, the storm was producing "locally heavy rainfall," according to a special weather statement. A special marine warning was issued as well, cautioning boaters that thunder, lightning, hail and choppy waves were possible.
Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Robert Berardi said two brush fires were started by lightning strikes in Catalina's more rugged back-country, "and a couple more were popping up."
Meanwhile, a 57-year-old man was reported to have been struck by lightning on the golf course in Avalon. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
The storms originated in San Diego County, where some streets were flooded.
About 90 minutes after hitting Catalina, the storm moved toward Venice, where one person was killed and at least nine were reported to be injured after a lightning strike.
In Redondo Beach, a home and a car were damaged by fire after a lightning strike.
Seldom-seen summer showers were reported across the region, with more serious storms taking place near Big Bear Lake, where a flash flood warning was in effect Sunday afternoon. Thunder was reported in the South Bay.
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