LOS ANGELES () — A powerful storm swept across Southern California on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, flooding and even a dusting of snow in some mountain areas.
In Victorville, strong winds sent trash, dirt and other debris swirling through the air, startling drivers. Jolina Broady captured video of the conditions while stopped at a traffic light.
“This was the most intense, scary thing I’ve seen in person in regards to wind,” Broady told Eyewitness News.
Video showed bushes being torn apart as debris filled the air. A trash can was launched airborne, and tree limbs were blown across a roadway.
“It was strong enough to tear things apart. Trees were getting ripped out, the fences were gone,” Broady said. “I don’t know what it was that it was tearing through, but you could just see it in the air and pieces everywhere.”
In Hollywood, several vehicles were crushed when a tree fell during the storm.
Across the region, residents also reported heavy hail and rain.
Heavy downpours flooded some neighborhoods and underpasses, leaving drivers stranded.
“The water started coming over the hood, and my car stalled. I tried to start it up again, but it wouldn’t turn on anymore,” driver Jason Soto said.
In North Hills, a man was rescued from the Pacoima Wash after becoming stranded in the rain-swollen channel. Two other people were also pulled to safety from the street above.
In the San Bernardino Mountains, there was heavy debris flow, though no damage was reported. Mount Baldy received a light dusting of snow.
As skies began to clear, rainbows appeared in some communities.
The storm also led to a rescue effort of a different kind. Maria Roman helped protect a butterfly that had been battered by rain and hail, sheltering it under an umbrella and feeding it a slice of banana.
“As soon as I saw it, I was like I need to help this poor little creature. I felt bad,” Roman said.
She said the butterfly’s wings were drying out and beginning to move following the rescue.
Her husband said the rescue effort reflected her love of animals.
“It doesn’t surprise me because she loves animals,” he said. “Somehow, the butterfly knew what house to come to.”
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