Los Angeles County beaches reopen hours after lightning strikes

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Lightning prompted the temporary closure of all beaches in Los Angeles County from the South Bay up to Zuma Beach as storms quickly descended on the Southland Tuesday afternoon.

A line of thunderstorms moved into Long Beach, the South Bay and Catalina Island around 4:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Los Angeles County lifeguards cleared Redondo Beach after witnessing lightning strikes shortly before 5 p.m. Hermosa Beach was then closed, then lifeguards shuttered all beaches in the county.

The public was urged to stay off the beaches and out of the water, and remain indoors until the weather cleared. The closure was lifted at about 6:30 p.m. after the NWS said the lightning hazards had decreased.

City News Service contributed to this report.