Voluntary Beach Evacuations Ordered Ahead Of Expected Lightning Strikes

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) — Lifeguards urged beachgoers to voluntarily evacuate Monday ahead of lightning strikes forecast for Orange County coastal areas.

A beach hazards warning was in effect for the area through 1 p.m. this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say lightning strikes are possible along the Orange County coastline until this evening.

The National Weather Service said nearly 2,000 lightning strikes have been reported since Sunday.

The warning comes following several reported lightning strikes during the Monday morning commute across the Southland, including in Aliso Viejo, Chino Hills, and the Riverside area.