Beaches along the coast were closed Thursday morning due to lightning, and advisories were issued as far south as San Diego.

Long Beach beaches will be closed as long as there is visible lightning, a spokesman for the fire department said.

The first of three storms expected over the next few days brought dark skies and booming thunder to Long Beach and other areas of Los Angeles County.

The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood advisory for Long Beach, and the city issued a statement saying catch basins have been cleared in flood-prone areas.

Sand for sandbags is also available at several fire stations:

Fire Station 7, 2295 Elm Street

Fire Station 12, 1199 Artesia Boulevard

Fire Station 13, 2475 Adriatic Avenue

Fire Station 14, 5200 Eliot Street

The first storm will bring an estimated .25 to 1 inch of rain to the county, and a second storm will bring heavier rainfall totals starting Friday night and Saturday morning along with gusty winds.

For information on how residents can prepare for severe weather, please click on the following link Preparing for Emergencies: Severe Weather.