SANTA MONICA, CA — As a storm rolled into the Southland Thursday afternoon and darkened the sky, it also brought with it lighting, prompting lifeguards to shut down beaches in Santa Monica.
Los Angeles County lifeguards cleared the beaches at around 5:30 after lightning was spotted in the area. City officials warned that anyone outside near the ocean should seek shelter until the storm has passed.
Lightning has been detected near the coast. Please seek shelter until the storm has passed if you are on the pier, beach or in the ocean. pic.twitter.com/JGMsbYWdyR
— City of Santa Monica (@santamonicacity) March 8, 2024
Shortly after Santa Monica beaches were cleared, lifeguards began clearing all beaches from Will Rogers State Beach south to Hermosa Beach due to lightning.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The National Weather Service earlier Thursday afternoon issued a severe thunderstorm warning, but rescinded it at around 4:19 p.m.
“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire. However, small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm,” the NWS said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Additionally, the NWS issued a flash flood warning that’s in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday for LA County.
“At 4:35 p.m. PST, doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour,” the NWS said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.