Scattered storms, lightning hit Southern California and prompt beach closures
This illustration shows waves rising over Southern California beachfront communities. The National Weather Service says storms caused by Hurricane Florence made their appearance on the California coast on Monday night.
This illustration shows waves rising over Southern California beachfront communities. The National Weather Service says storms caused by Hurricane Florence made their appearance on the California coast on Monday night.
Photo: Scott Miller, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Scott Miller, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Scattered storms, lightning hit Southern California and prompt beach closures 1 / 1 Back to Gallery
As Southern California beaches closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, forecasters warned that the storm could produce “powerful storm systems” with waves larger than those typically seen during typical hurricane events.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement on Monday to the same effect for Southern California.
Forecasters said there were numerous reasons why the storm made its presence known to beachfront communities, including scattered storms, severe lightning and a significant rise in surf activity, though the extent to which the storm may have caused damage or injury to beach goers is unknown.
“This storm has significant potential to produce powerful storm systems, including waves and storm activity expected to be larger than typically seen during typical storms,” forecasters said in a statement on their website.
“This could produce beach erosion, dangerous surf, rip tides that could be up to three feet, and increased numbers of visitors to the beaches.”
“The combination of multiple scattered storms occurring during one day and an increase in storm surge and rough surf could be a significant risk to life and property at the popular beaches of Southern California,” NWS officials said.
The storm came ashore just after 3 p.m. Monday in Santa Barbara County, according the National Weather Service, and quickly moved north. Its projected path was about 70 miles due west, according to the NWS.
“This storm has the potential to produce dangerous surf and rip tides that could affect lifeguards and beachgoers” if they are out at peak times, the NWS said. “The forecast is for strong, damaging winds and