Meteorologists were investigating a possible tornado at a San Clemente golf course Thursday, Oct. 22, after several trees were damaged as thunderstorms swept through Southern California, according to the National Weather Service.
NWS meteorologist Casey Oswant said a meteorologist was dispatched to San Clemente Municipal Golf Course following reports and photographs of damaged trees.
As of early Thursday afternoon, officials had not determined whether the damage was caused by a tornado or strong winds, Oswant said.
Video shared by Fox 11 showed several damaged trees at the golf course, with branches snapped off and scattered across the ground. At least one large tree appeared to have been uprooted, with its roots sticking into the air.
The investigation came amid unsettled weather across Southern California, where forecasters had warned of isolated thunderstorms, strong winds and the possibility of brief, weak tornadoes.
Earlier Thursday, the National Weather Service warned that an unstable atmosphere could produce isolated tornadoes in parts of Los Angeles County, along with damaging wind gusts.
Forecasters also warned of the potential for waterspouts over coastal waters as the storm system moved through the region.
The cause of the damage at the San Clemente golf course remained under investigation Thursday afternoon.
Light to moderate rain continues in Southern California, flooding some roadways, prompting rescues