A politician quickly learns not to be surprised when knocking on doors and asking for votes.

But veteran politico Luis Chavez was caught completely off guard when walking neighborhoods Tuesday as part of his bid for a seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Wind gusts caught part of a palm tree and kept it suspended in air — as if it were a prop in a Las Vegas illusionist’s act. And, the Fresno city councilmember documented it on video.

“Wild weather in Fresno,” posted Chavez on X. “Wind vortex — gusts from both sides! If anyone can explain this phenomenon, I’m listening. Creepy.”

Watch Chavez’s video below.

While out canvassing and talking to voters today!Wild weather in Fresno.. Wind vortex – gusts from both sides! If anyone can explain this phenomenon..I’m listening. Creepy.. ️ pic.twitter.com/fPHUyYS6hZ

— Luis Chavez (@LuisCha70215912) February 7, 2024

Tuesday indeed produced unusual weather in Fresno and other Valley cities. In addition to the floating palm, residents in Tulare and Kings counties reported funnel clouds.

Funnel cloud spotted near Naval Air Station Lemoore late this afternoon. Photo from Josh Meno.#cawx #Lemoore #SouthValley #KingsCounty #NASLemoore #NavalAirStationLemoore #FunnelCloud #Funnel #Storm #thunderstorm @KSEE24 @NWSHanford pic.twitter.com/gmS1hMTXwD

— Reuben Contreras (@ReubenKSEE24) February 7, 2024

Funnel cloud in Tulare, CA today from my brothers friend. @NWSHanford pic.twitter.com/UqSKZ2qLWg

— Ashton The Stormchaser (@AshtonHenryWX) February 7, 2024

Meanwhile, snow continues to pile up in the Sierra at popular destinations such as Yosemite National Park and Huntington Lake.

Atmospheric beauty on display on #Yosemite #webcams this afternoon-past few hours #timelapse – #halfdome #highsierra @YosemiteNPS #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Ol9vOtu82G

— NWS CWSU Oakland (@NWSCWSUZOA) February 6, 2024

Watch: Snowboarders at China Peak

The Wednesday Forecast

Here are today’s key messages from the National Weather Service in Hanford:

• Major winter storm impacts are expected in the Tulare County portion of the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet today due to snow amounts of up to 1 foot.
• Strong, gusty west winds are expected in the Mojave Desert Slopes today.
• An inch or less of snow is likely over Tejon Pass and Tehachapi Pass tonight and Thursday morning.

Valley Rain Odds

These are the probabilities for a quarter-inch or more of rain from 4 a.m. today through 10 a.m. Thursday:

• Visalia, Tulare, Porterville — 100%
• Bakersfield — 94%
• Hanford — 84%
• Delano — 80%
• Merced — 76%
• Fresno — 74%
• Lemoore — 71%
• Madera — 66%