June 30, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Early Morning Storm, Lightning Closes Santa Monica Beach:

Updated Saturday, July 18 – 12: 50 p.m.

Beaches from Redondo to Zuma were closed for 100 minutes by lifeguards today, when lightning flashed and unusual summer clouds dropped scattered heavy rain, a gift from a dying Mexican hurricane.

Heavy rain fell at Malibu and Santa Monica during the 8 a.m. hour, as subtropical storm clouds from Tropical Depression Dolores wafted northward from Mexico, meteorologists said.

Lightning and thunder was widespread, and morning freeway traffic slowed to 20 miles per hour in heavy rain on Interstate 10 in the Inland Empire.

“Please take the advice of lifeguards on the beach and seek safe shelter indoors,” begged Los Angeles County lifeguards, using all capital letters on the word “please” in their Twitter message.

“If you are unable to get into a building with four walls and a roof for cover, get into your car!” the lifeguards exhorted. “Do not get into ocean.”

Beaches were closed from 8:10 to 9:50 a.m.

The stern warnings came following the death of one surfer and hospitalization of seven others last summer, when a “bolt from the blue” lightning strike hit the Venice Pier and electrified both it and the surrounding ocean.

Thunder echoed across the L.A. Basin during the 8 a.m. hour, an unusual summertime occurrence in an area where the relatively cool and stable ocean air flow usually puts a damper on thunderstorms, meteorologists said.

Lighting storms and scattered rain, left over from onetime-Hurricane Dolores, was expected to move northeast through Southern California at 20 miles per hour today. Scattered rain could be heavy, the NWS warned, with up to one half inch possible in some localized spots.

It will be warm and humid, forecasters said.

in News
<>Related Posts

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...