Los Angeles County beaches reopen after lightning strikes prompt closure

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- Los Angeles County beaches reopened Saturday afternoon after they were closed due to lightning strikes as thunderstorms developed offshore, officials said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department's Lifeguard Division announced the shutdowns shortly after 1:30 p.m., adding that a storm was tracking north along the coast.

Soon after, officials said beaches could reopen as lifeguards continue to monitor conditions.

Earlier Saturday, at 12:20 p.m., the Fire Department closed all beaches between Cabrillo and Dockweiler and the National Weather Service said there was a chance of more lightning strikes within the following two hours.

"We will be working with the (National Weather Service) to monitor the storm and determine a safe time to reopen. Stay tuned," the Fire Department said.

The Santa Monica Police Department announced the closure of that city's beach shortly before 1 p.m.

"Lightning has been detected near the coast," the agency said on Twitter. "Please seek shelter until the storm has passed if you are on the pier / beach or in the ocean."

Lightning was also detected over the Orange County coastal waters, according to the National Weather Service.

"Steady precipitation has largely tapered off away from the mountains," the agency tweeted, "but now we turn our attention to some developing thunderstorms offshore!"

DEVELOPING: More details will be added to this report as they become available.