Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are the focus of a severe thunderstorm watch released at 11:14 p.m. on Monday by the National Weather Service. The watch is valid from 11 p.m. until Tuesday Oct. 14, at 6 a.m. in effect until Tuesday Oct. 14, at 6 a.m.

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, mostly during the summer. It claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

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