Lightning, Beach, Pier Closures Possible: Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Some north Orange County beaches and piers were closed intermittently Wednesday, while lifeguards and meteorologists from the National Weather Service monitored storm cells drifting from east to west across the region.

"The National Weather Service advised Seal Beach Marine Safety to close the beach and pier due to lightning offshore and headed our way," Chief Joe Bailey told Patch "Lifeguards told everyone to leave due to the possibility of lightning strikes."

North Orange County beaches reopened as of 9:30 a.m., though Bailey expected the closures to be put into place once again later in the day.

Meanwhile, a few diehard beachgoers wandered the shoreline, and surfers attempted to make the most of a rough day of surf. Seal Beach Lifeguards anticipated clearing the shores and waters once again around midday.

"It's a good day not to be at the beach," Bailey said. "It's windy, cold overcast with more rain, thunder, and lightning on the way."

Huntington Beach and pier remained open to the public as of 10:30 a.m.

Along the shore, 20 miles per hour winds buffeted the few beachgoers and surfers who dared to head out and watch the sand and surf collide.

Marine Safety officers at Huntington Beach kept a close eye on potential hazards due to contamination from runoff.

"Any time during a larger storm, runoff goes into the ocean leading to bacteria and contamination," Marine Safety Lt. Eric Dieterman told Patch. "We'll be monitoring the bacteria levels all day and this week, along with Orange County Health officers."

In Newport Beach, the shores remained open though lifeguards were monitoring the situation and keeping an eye on the darkening sky to the east. As of 10 a.m., no lightning strikes were reported, Chief Jeff Boyles told Patch.

"There are a few dedicated surfers were in the water near the lifeguard stations, and some people walking the pier," Boyles said. "It's a pretty cold and windy out there."

NWS was monitoring another storm cell expected around 10:30 a.m.
Further south, lifeguards remain on weather watch from Laguna Beach to San Clemente.

The National Weather Service issued a hazard statement, due to thunderstorms on the radar, and Orange County Lifeguards expected throughout the day.

South Laguna Beach through Dana Point experienced no closures due to weather Wednesday morning.

"Surf conditions are not ideal at many of our beaches," Chief Jason Young told Patch. "There are a few surfers at Salt Creek and some people on the beach. If the weather shifts, we'll be closing the beaches as well.

Lifeguards are out on the beaches monitoring the shifting conditions all day."