Dangerous lightning expected to return to L.A. on Sunday

Forecasters warned that isolated thunderstorms were expected to head back to Los Angeles County on Sunday, as monsoonal moisture heads in from Mexico.

“Just about any location from the beach to the mountains and the Antelope Valley will be susceptible to isolated thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service said. “When skies look threatening, move to a safe place.

“When thunder roars, go indoors!” the weather service said.

Forecasters said the sight of lightning should cause people to move into a vehicle or indoors and wait until 30 minutes has passed. Brief heavy downpours are also possible.

Temperatures at the beaches will still be warm Saturday and Sunday on the Los Angeles County coast, with highs in the mid to upper 70s, with the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys heading into the 90s.

Lightning strikes in coastal California are extremely rare, but they do happen. Last Sunday, a man died and at least eight other people were injured when lightning struck at Venice Beach. It was caused by an unusual mass of hot and moist air that created unstable atmospheric conditions.

The man, Nick Fagnano, 20, of Los Angeles, was in the water when he was struck. The thunderstorm lasted for only 15 minutes.

The Red Cross offered the following tips upon hearing a lightning storm:

- Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.

- Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.

- If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

- If you are swimming, clear everyone from the water at the first sound of thunder or first sight of lightning. Have everyone move inside, if possible. The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends waiting 30 minutes after the last lightning sighting or sound of thunder before resuming activities.

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