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Multiple beaches in Orange County were closed Monday afternoon due to the threat of lightning strikes in the area.

Huntington Beach closed its beaches around 3:20 p.m., and officials said they would remain closed until “weather conditions are deemed safe.”

The Seal Beach Police Department also announced that beaches, as well as the pier, would be closed while a storm system moved through the coastal area.

Additionally, Laguna Beach was also closed to foot traffic, according to Patch.com.

The National Weather Service announced early Monday morning that an upper-level low-pressure system near Phoenix would be “drifting slowly southwestward” through the afternoon, bringing with it a slight chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

KTLA Storm Tracker radar showed a surge of moisture building Monday afternoon, with the best chance for thunderstorms expected around 3 p.m. through 6 p.m.

Around 3:25 p.m., the National Weather Service in San Diego said strong thunderstorms were moving toward Huntington Beach, while smaller, yet still strong, thunderstorms were spotted in the Inland Empire near Temecula.

Photos shared by the National Weather Service show dozens of lightning strikes in and around Orange County on March 18, 2024
Photos shared by the National Weather Service show dozens of lightning strikes in and around Orange County on March 18, 2024

The NWS San Diego also shared radar imagery that showed dozens of lightning strikes throughout Orange and San Diego counties.

For continued coverage of Monday’s storms, click here.