Gustnado Sweeps Debris in Victorville as SoCal Storms Cause Damage
Officials investigate possible tornado in San Clemente while powerful winds and thunderstorms impact Southern California.
A gustnado, a whirlwind that forms along the leading edge of a thunderstorm's outflow, kicked up dust and debris in Victorville on Thursday, while damage at a San Clemente golf course prompted an investigation into a possible tornado. These incidents occurred as a storm system brought gusty winds and flood threats to Southern California, leading to multiple weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
In Victorville, a motorist captured video of the rotating dust column near U.S. Route 395 and Dos Palmas Road, with loose trash and other materials being swept into the air. A "Wind Advisory" was in effect for the Victorville area at the time, and no injuries were reported in connection with the gustnado. Experts identified the phenomenon as a gustnado, distinct from a tornado, which typically forms at ground level.
Meanwhile, damage at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course raised questions about a potential tornado touchdown Wednesday night. Weather service investigators examined the reports but concluded that straight-line winds were the more likely cause, with the strongest gusts in the area reaching 36 mph. The National Weather Service had previously issued warnings about a remote possibility of a brief tornado, though it emphasized the low odds and highlighted the likelihood of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and powerful gusts.
The broader storm system brought a range of weather alerts across the region on Thursday, including Flood Advisories, Flash Flood Warnings, Special Weather Statements, and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. The varied threats, from strong showers to potential flooding and blustery winds, kept weather officials monitoring conditions throughout Southern California. The storm was expected to move out of the region by Thursday evening, with drier weather anticipated for Friday.
Cleanup crews worked to clear fallen trees and debris from the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course following the storm's impact. The golf course is located at 150 E. Avenida Magdalena.