Weather

Severe Storms Threaten Southern California With Tornado Risk and 60 MPH Winds

BySaluda Standard Sentinel Team October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A potent Pacific storm system is moving across Southern California, bringing the potential for isolated tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and small hail through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard office.

Thunderstorms and Damaging Winds Likely

Forecasters say storms could produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, brief torrential downpours, and localized flooding across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Thunderstorm probabilities range from 20% to 45%, with the highest risk focused on coastal and valley areas.

Meteorologists at the NWS Los Angeles office said upper-level instability will allow “strong, rotating cells” to form, increasing the chance of waterspouts over the Pacific and short-lived tornadoes over land.

Classic October Severe Weather Setup

Experts say this setup mirrors past October storm events that have produced funnel clouds and brief tornado touchdowns in the region. “Conditions are favorable for rotating storms,” the NWS warned, citing strong upper-level winds that could mix down to the surface.

Potential hazards include:

Downed trees and power lines due to strong gusts
Localized power outages
Lightning and small hail in coastal and inland valleys
Hazardous marine conditions for small craft off the Southern California coast

Residents Urged to Stay Prepared

Officials are advising residents to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors during lightning or heavy rainfall. Motorists are also encouraged to watch for water pooling on roadways.

While the most severe weather is expected to diminish by Tuesday afternoon, gusty winds and lingering showers could persist through midweek, before a return to milder, drier conditions later in the week.

NWS: “Remain Alert and Prepared”

The National Weather Service urges those in affected areas to monitor local weather alerts and have emergency kits ready in case of sudden power outages or flash flooding.

“Stay alert, stay informed, and take precautions,” forecasters said. “Conditions can change rapidly, and even isolated storms can cause serious damage.”

For ongoing weather coverage and preparedness updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.

Saluda Standard Sentinel Team

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel Team represents the collective voice of our newsroom — covering urgent updates, official notices, and stories compiled by multiple reporters. Rooted in the South and committed to trusted local journalism, our team brings timely, community-first reporting to readers across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.