Thunderstorm drenches LA area, prompts beach warning

March 7, 2010 | KPCC Wire Services & AP
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a warning to beachgoers to avoid going into the ocean near storm drains, creeks, and rivers because of the weekend rain.

A powerful thunderstorm is pounding parts of Los Angeles County with expectations of penny-sized hail and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour as another weekend weather system sweeps across Southern California.

The National Weather Service said mild showers early Saturday turned into a downpour after sundown, and the growing storm could bring "frequent and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning" to the areas of Whittier and El Monte.

The NWS also is warning of hazardous weather in the inland mountains, with thunderstorms and some mountain snow.

The heavy rains have prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to issue a warning to beachgoers, advising them to avoid going into the ocean near storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

"We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may become ill,'' said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, public health director and county health officer.

Earlier, the storm brought the rare sight of five funnel clouds that formed over the ocean off Laguna Beach in Orange County.

Forecaster Miguel Miller says the harmless clouds came from a line of showers and cold, turbulent winds that moved through the area.

The beach advisory will remain in effect until at least 6 p.m. Tuesday. The warning may be extended if there is more rain.

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