Twister Spotted Off San Clemente Coast

A cold Pacific storm swept through Orange County on Friday afternoon, bringing rain, water spouts and lightning, the National Weather Service reported.

San Clemente lifeguards reported a water spout three-quarters of a mile off the coast, and the funnel-shaped twister briefly touched down on land before it dissipated, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Moede.

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North County cities bore the brunt of the storm. The highest rainfall total was 1.2 inches recorded at the Fullerton dam, Moede said. About .55 of an inch of rain was recorded at John Wayne Airport, and about a half-inch of rain fell in South County cities such as Mission Viejo, he said.

The main storm front moved out of the area later in the afternoon, but scattered showers and chilly temperatures are possible tonight, Moede said.

Lows tonight will be in the upper 40s. Conditions Saturday will be mostly dry, with highs ranging from 58 to 62 degrees, Moede said. A warming trend will develop Sunday with temperatures in the 70s. The mercury could reach the 80s by Tuesday, he said.

-- City News Service