Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that a weak tornado touched down in Oxnard, California, on Thursday afternoon, causing wind damage at a mobile home park.
Tornado Touchdown in Oxnard
- Location: Ocean-Aire Mobile Home Estates, East Oxnard
- Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024
- Winds: Over 50 mph at 3:30 p.m.
NWS meteorologist Ariel Cohen stated that damage patterns in the area were consistent with a weak tornado.
“What we have found is a pattern of damage that is consistent with a weak tornado having occurred in far east Oxnard.”
Residents reported a terrifying few minutes as strong winds tore through the area, damaging awnings, porches, and scattering debris.
Gerry Villegas, a resident of the mobile home park, described the frightening experience:
“The mobile home started shaking strongly. You could see awnings and parts of porches flying by.”
Her 11-year-old granddaughter was shaken and in tears, having never experienced anything like it before.
Storm Conditions & Ongoing Wind Advisory
Meteorologists had predicted the possibility of weak tornadoes, with gusts potentially reaching 70 mph in some areas.
- Wind Advisory in Ventura County:
- Effective: Friday 10 a.m. – Saturday 4 a.m.
- Winds: 20-35 mph, gusts up to 55 mph
- Possible Impacts: Falling tree limbs, power outages, unsecured objects being blown away
Recent Tornado History in Southern California
Montebello Tornado (March 22, 2023):
- Rated EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale
- Winds reached 110 mph
- 11 buildings red-tagged due to severe damage
While tornadoes are rare in Southern California, they can still occur during intense storm systems.
What’s Next?
- Scattered showers expected to clear by Friday afternoon
- Cooler temperatures with gradual warming over the weekend
- Residents should stay alert for strong winds and potential hazards
The storm system is moving out, but the wind advisory remains in effect through early Saturday. Residents should secure outdoor objects and stay cautious of falling debris.
