Santa Monica Pier Being Evacuated Due To Lightning

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica Pier is being evacuated due to lightning Wednesday morning amid the first rains of the season in the Southland.

"An electrical storm with lightning has been reported in Santa Monica," the City tweeted. "Please evacuate all ocean and beach/sand areas. If on the beach or on the Santa Monica Pier seek shelter indoors until the storm has ended."

Along the coast, sets of up to 8 feet are expected on west-facing beaches Wednesday evening, continuing through Thursday morning.

"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning," warned an NWS statement. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.

"...Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."

Will it rain in Santa Monica today? Here's an hour-by-hour forecast from Weather.com:

• 9 a.m.: 59 degrees, 25 percent chance of precipitation, 60 percent humidity
• 10 a.m.: 58 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 66 percent humidity
• 11 a.m.: 59 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 59 percent humidity
• Noon: 60 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 59 percent humidity
• 1 p.m.: 60 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 64 percent humidity
• 2 p.m.: 60 degrees, 15 percent chance of precipitation, 61 percent humidity
• 3 p.m.: 60 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 63 percent humidity
• 4 p.m.: 59 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 69 percent humidity
• 5 p.m.: 59 degrees, 10 percent chance of precipitation, 71 percent humidity
• 6 p.m.: 58 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 74 percent humidity
• 7 p.m.: 57 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, 76 percent humidity
• 8 p.m.: 58 degrees, 25 percent chance of precipitation, 76 percent humidity
• 9 p.m.: 57 degrees, 25 percent chance of precipitation, 76 percent humidity
• 10 p.m.: 57 degrees, 25 percent chance of precipitation, 74 percent humidity
• 11 p.m.: 57 degrees, 25 percent chance of precipitation, 75 percent humidity

City News Service contributed to this post