Environment

NWS says San Clemente damage came from straight-line winds

A National Weather Service survey determined that the brief, damaging wind event at San Clemente Golf Course was not a tornado.

Published October 22, 2026 • Updated October 22, 2026 • Sources: National Weather Service and NBC4 Los Angeles

The National Weather Service’s San Diego office sent a team to San Clemente after trees were damaged at the city golf course during Thursday’s storm. After the survey, the agency classified the event as straight-line winds rather than a tornado.

Short burst caused concentrated tree damage

NBC4 Los Angeles reported that golfers described an intense burst lasting roughly 15 to 25 seconds. One witness said the wind carved a narrow path through the course, knocked down a tree and broke a palm tree.

The event occurred as strong thunderstorms moved across Southern California, bringing heavy rain, localized flooding concerns, lightning and abrupt wind gusts. The NWS survey distinguishes damaging thunderstorm winds that move in a generally straight path from the rotating circulation associated with a tornado.

This page has been updated from its earlier account of a possible tornado to reflect the weather service’s completed assessment.

Official weather information: National Weather Service San Diego →

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — October 22, 2026 →