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People congregating at Torrance Beach Thursday afternoon will see flashing lights and hear loud emergency alerts, but it's only a test of a new beach evacuation warning system.
The county Department of Beaches and Harbors will conduct the first official test of the Beach Emergency and Evacuation Lights System (BEELS). The test is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m.
According to the county, the BEELS system includes flashing white LED lights mounted on free-standing structures and lifeguard towers. It also includes a siren and evacuation announcements, which are delivered in both English and Spanish.