SOUTHLAND--Weather officials will try to confirm witness reports that tornadoes caused an assortment of damage Thursday in Ventura and Blythe.

Fallen power lines and utility poles attest to some violent winds that struck the Blythe area. Three big rigs were blown over and several people were briefly trapped in their cars. Electric utility crews estimated it would take 2-days to complete their work along Highway 78.

In Ventura, several people claim to have seen a funnel cloud. Eighteen trees were uprooted. One fell into a home. At least one parked vehicle was lifted off the ground and flung into a tree.

There were no injuries attributed to the violent winds.

Acting Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed a storm ‘emergency’ in Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles and two Northern California counties clearing the way for state clean-up assistance.

A state of emergency was declared Thursday in the Riverside County city of Canyon Lake because of flooding. (INT)

Story Date: September 2, 2010