A powerful storm swept across Southern California late Thursday into Friday, flooding streets, triggering a possible tornado in Dana Point, and trapping cars in heavy mountain snow, according to the National Weather Service. The system hit hardest overnight, when up to 1.84 inches of rain fell in a single hour in parts of Orange County, flooding roads in Westminster, Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, and along key mountain routes near Big Bear. Officials say the storm’s intensity and unusual mix of hazards, including flooding rain, rockslides, and wet snow, may continue through Saturday as emergency crews work to clear blocked highways and warn residents about possible landslides and additional severe weather.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm also caused sudden street closures, including a three-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach due to high water.
Emergency crews reported multiple stalled vehicles on flooded offramps and rockslides blocking Highway 330 and Highway 18 in the San Bernardino Mountains.
“This storm moved in fast, and drivers had almost no time to react to the flooding,” said Officer Mark Reyes of the California Highway Patrol.
Officials also investigated reports of a rotating storm cell that may have produced a small tornado or waterspout near Dana Point Harbor. A witness told the National Weather Service that strong winds lifted a 12-foot section of fencing and threw it across a parking lot, prompting meteorologists to review radar data.
“We’re still analyzing the rotation signatures, but conditions were right for a brief tornado,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Laura Mendez.
Heavy, wet snow created dangerous conditions at higher elevations, where a dozen vehicles were trapped near Big Bear as snowfall reached more than a foot in some areas. Winter storm warnings remained in effect for the mountains as crews worked to clear snow-covered roads and assist stranded motorists.
“People underestimate how quickly these mountain storms turn hazardous,” said Big Bear Fire Department spokesperson Daniel Ruiz. “If you don’t have chains or the right tires, you can get stuck within minutes.”
Forecasters say the storm will taper off by Saturday, but they warn that saturated ground and lingering snowfall could still create hazards. Officials urge residents to stay alert as crews continue clearing damaged roads and prepare the region for drier, cooler weather heading into Thanksgiving week.
