Small Tornado Touches Down In Los Angeles County

A tornado briefly touched down in Vernon on Tuesday as heavy rain generated by El Niño lashed Southern California, flooding roadways and snarling traffic. The tornado damaged roofs and other parts of up to eight commercial structures shortly before 1 p.m. in the small industrial city located in southeast Los Angeles County, said Fred MacFarlane, a city spokesman. The heavy winds also sent debris into the air, damaging vehicles parked near 49th and 50th streets at Loma Vista Avenue. Buildings in the 4100 block of Bandini Boulevard also sustained damage, MacFarlane said in a statement.