The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for lightning at the beaches which is in effect until 7 PM PST this evening.

  • Locations - All beaches of Orange and San Diego Counties.

  • Timing - Beginning around noon today in Orange County, moving into San Diego County around 1:30 pm. Moving inland away from the beaches around 7 pm.  
PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

A beach hazards statement for lightning means that the potential exists for cloud to ground and/or water strikes, which could result in injury or death. Move indoors, stay away from metal objects, and avoid the beach until the storm passes.

WHAT TO EXCEPT IN THE NORTH COASTAL AREAS:
  • Storm #1 – NWS is expecting a direct hit from Catalina to San Diego with .5 to 1 inch of rain and possible water spouts along the coast between Laguna Beach and north coastal San Diego. This will be a fast moving coastal storm with peak rainfall from 2 pm to 6 pm Thursday.

  • Storm #2 – NWS is calling an “Atmospheric River” and will arrive in north SD Saturday morning with heavy rain (1 to 1.5 inches), high surf (10-12 feet) and strong winds ( gusts of 30 + mph). Peak rainfall expected from noon to 10 pm Saturday, with very cold air arriving after 6pm. Scattered showers and high surf will linger into Sunday.

  • Storm #3 – Will be weaker but colder than the previous two storms with widespread showers Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.