'Unusual' lightning storm expected at SoCal beaches this weekend

Tropical Cyclone Dolores will move from Baja California and up the SoCal coast this weekend, where it's expected to lose much of its momentum. Still, it could bring thunderstorms and lightning to beach areas, the National Weather Service said Thursday. The service has issued a beach hazard warning.

The thunderstorm threat comes from the tropical moisture pooling in from the south, said Robbie Munroe, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. He said coastal communities can expect to see lightning Saturday, Sunday and possibly Monday. 

"It's a bit unusual for this time of year," Munroe said. "It's something for beachgoers to be very wary of, because they're very exposed on the beaches to the lightning threat."

Other hazards include elevated surf and rip currents.

Munroe said the hazard should be over by early next week, when Dolores will be pushed east, leaving SoCal to resume its usual July pattern.