News Summary
Newport Beach and Huntington Beach issued urgent evacuation orders on June 3 as dangerous lightning storms approached. Officials urged residents to stay away from the shore, leading to transport disruptions and beach closures. Huntington Beach initiated emergency protocols as NOAA reported lightning strikes nearby. Laguna Beach joined in the evacuations later in the evening. While the storm caused concerns, timely actions by officials ensured public safety, and by 7 p.m., local beaches reopened for residents and visitors to enjoy once more.
Urgent Evacuations Along Newport Beach and Huntington Beach Coastlines
Newport Beach and Huntington Beach found themselves in a bit of a twist on the evening of June 3. As the skies darkened and a storm rolled in, officials made the tough decision to evacuate the beautiful coastlines of these popular Californian destinations due to dangerously close lightning storms.
Stay Away from the Shore
At about 4 p.m., the Newport Beach area sent out an alert through social media, urging residents and visitors to steer clear of the water and sand as ominous storm clouds loomed. The message emphasized the importance of finding shelter indoors and keeping safe as storm cells made their way towards the coastline. It’s always a good reminder that public safety is a top priority, and authorities promised to keep everyone updated on the situation as it evolved.
Once the storm warnings began, operations at the Balboa Ferry were promptly suspended. Those relying on the ferry for transport had to pause their plans as the area braced for the storm’s impact.
Huntington Beach Shuts Down
Not long after Newport Beach’s warning, Huntington Beach officials kicked off their own emergency protocols. Reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated ground strikes – that’s lightning, folks – approximately 8 miles away. In response, Huntington Beach officials wasted no time, enacting a beach closure and beginning evacuations of waterfront and beachfront areas. The pier was finally cleared, leaving the scene quiet as everyone took cover from the impending storm.
Residents and visitors watched from afar as NOAA assured everyone that the storm cell appeared to be moving rapidly. In fact, they forecasted that it should pass through the area within the next hour—everyone just needed to hang tight a little longer.
Laguna Beach Joins the Evacuation
As if the storm wasn’t enough to handle, Laguna Beach decided to jump on the safety bandwagon. An alert sent out around 5:15 p.m. declared their beaches closed, echoing the protective measures taken by surrounding coastal cities. But do not fret beach lovers! They announced that the beautiful shores would be opened again just 30 minutes after the storm blew over.
By around 7 p.m., the anxiously awaited news broke: the beaches across the affected areas were reopened. Finally, locals and tourists breathed a sigh of relief as they could return to all their favorite seaside activities.
Keeping an Eye on the Waves
In the surrounding areas, precautions were still being monitored closely. By 4:30 p.m., San Clemente Marine Safety was reporting that their beaches were still open, although they were on alert for potential closures if the situation worsened. Lifeguards stationed at all State Beaches—including Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Crystal Cove, Doheny, and San Clemente—made sure to keep the public informed. They utilized PA systems to alert beachgoers not to enter the water during the storm, even though full closures were not yet enforced.
Seal Beach Marine Safety took proactive measures as well. As early as 3:50 p.m., they announced that both the beaches and pier in their jurisdiction were closed, citing increasing concern due to nearby lightning strikes. Their reopening would hinge on having no lightning detected within a ten-mile radius.
Final Thoughts
The lightning storms that rolled through Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and nearby coastal cities certainly created a bit of an uproar. But thanks to quick-thinking officials and diligent lifeguards, people were kept safe while enjoying the beauty of the California coastline. Remember, always prioritize safety, and keep an eye on the weather when heading to the beach!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Beach Evacuations Due to Lightning
- Los Angeles Times: Latest News in Orange County
- Daily News: Map of Fires in Southern California
- Patch: Airport Fire Evacuations in Place
- Newport Beach Independent: Tsunami Hazard Area Expansion
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- Google Search: California Beach Evacuations
- Google Scholar: Lightning Evacuations in California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Evacuation
- Google News: Orange County Weather
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
