Security cameras captured the moment a tornado tore through Oxnard on Thursday afternoon, damaging roofs and carports as residents took shelter inside their homes.
Emergency calls from the Ocean-Aire Mobile Home Community and neighboring Country Club Mobile Estates recorded the panic as the storm struck.
About a dozen homes and structures sustained severe damage, including the home of the Villegas family.
Geri Villegas, a visitor at the home, said there was rain gushing down, shaking and then something flew by. “It was the porch awning,” Villegas said.
Homeowner Adriana Villegas expressed concern over the financial burden of repairs.
“I wasn’t expecting [the] roof off,” she said. “I don’t have home insurance. I couldn’t afford it.”
The National Weather Service confirmed that a single tornado touched down in the area, traveling less than half a mile, during the height of Thursday’s intense rainstorm.
“We are still coming up with wind speed,” said Dr. Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge at NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard. “Damage [is] consistent with 75-90 miles an hour.”
A team of NWS meteorologists and Oxnard firefighters surveyed the damage.
Firefighters worked to remove hanging debris and ensure the safety of residents.
On Friday, residents continued to assess the damage.
“Most are plain average working people. Pretty devastating,” said the mobile home community’s manager, Ruth Funk.
Despite the destruction, no injuries were reported.
“I’m grateful our house is still standing. It’s fine inside,” Villegas said.
Power was lost for several hours but has since been restored.
Tornados are exceedingly rare in Southern California but not unheard of. In 2023, four weak tornadoes were reported in Los Angeles County.
