California beach thrown into chaos by microburst storm

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A California beach filled with visitors seeking to beat the heat erupted in chaos when a microburst brought a sudden storm to the area.

Beach-goer Leonard Diaz captured video Sunday when the sudden storm struck at Arroyo Burro Beach, sending umbrellas flying high up into the air with 80 mph gusts of wind.

The Santa Barbara City Fire Department said 56 people were tossed into the water and at least 17 needed to be rescued when the winds overturned boats, kayaks and paddleboards in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol said no injuries were reported.

Experts said that the event was a microburst, a sudden and powerful air current localized in a small area.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the county as a result of the powerful rains brought to shore by the microburst.